🌸

Columbine

Aquilegia

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameColumbine

DescriptionGraceful woodland perennial featuring unique nodding flowers with five petal-like sepals and five tubular petals extending backward into distinctive nectar spurs. Blooms appear in spring and early summer in enchanting combinations of blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, and white, often bicolored. The delicate, fern-like foliage and airy flower stems create an ethereal effect in shade gardens, with long spurs specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds and long-tongued bees.

FamilyRanunculaceae

GenusAquilegia

TribeIsopyreae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr ⊕ ⚥ K5 C5 A∞ G5

Ebracteate (no bracts), radially symmetrical (actinomorphic overall, though individual petals spurred), bisexual, 5 free petal-like sepals, 5 free petals with backward-projecting spurs, numerous free stamens (30-50), 5 free carpels with superior ovaries

Features

Name 'Columbine' from Latin 'columba' (dove)—inverted flowers resemble cluster of doves. 'Aquilegia' from Latin 'aquila' (eagle) for spur shape like eagle's talons. 'Granny's Bonnet' describes bonnet-like flower shape. State flower of Colorado (A. caerulea). About 70 species worldwide
Flowers 1-3 inches (2.5-7.5 cm) across with complex structure: 5 petal-like sepals, 5 tubular petals with backward-projecting spurs 0.5-3 inches long containing nectar. Nodding blooms on wiry stems above foliage. Colors include blue, purple, red, pink, yellow, white, and striking bicolors. Spur length varies by species
Herbaceous perennial that blooms late spring to early summer (April-July depending on climate and species). Short-lived perennial (2-4 years) but self-seeds readily for continuous presence. Foliage resembles maidenhair fern with compound, lobed leaves
Grows 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) tall depending on species (dwarf varieties 6-12 inches, standard 18-30 inches). Lifespan of 2-4 years but perpetuates through self-seeding. Propagated from seed (sow fresh in fall or stratify) or careful division in early spring
Native throughout Northern Hemisphere temperate zones. Species native to specific regions: A. vulgaris (Europe), A. canadensis (eastern North America), A. caerulea (Rocky Mountains), A. formosa (western North America), A. flabellata (Japan). Found in woodlands, meadows, and rocky slopes
Prefers partial shade to full shade, especially in hot climates (tolerates more sun in cool regions). Requires moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Performs best in cool climates. Deadhead to prevent excessive self-seeding. Foliage may develop leaf miners (cosmetic damage only)
Excellent for woodland gardens, shade borders, and cottage gardens. Long spurs attract hummingbirds; short-spurred species attract bees and butterflies. Deer and rabbit resistant (foliage toxic). Seeds provide food for birds. Self-seeds but not invasive. All parts mildly toxic if ingested

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificAquilegia

English (Alternate)Granny's Bonnet, Granny's Nightcap, European Columbine, Common Columbine

Hindiकालंबिन फूल (Kālambiṇ Phūl)

Tamilபுறாக்கூட்டமைவுடைய மலர் (pūṟākūṭṭamaiyuṭaiya malar), புறாப்போன்ற மலர்கள் (pūṟāppōṉṟa malarkaḷ)

Teluguకాకిరెట్ట (Kakiretta), కోలంపైన్ పువ్వు (kōlampaīna puvvu)

Malayalamകോളമ്പീൻ (Kōlambiṉ)

Kannadaಕೋಲಂಬೈನ್ ಹೂವು (kolambain hoovu)

Sanskritअक्विलेगिया (akvilegiya)

Bengaliরাস ফুল (Raas Phul), কলাম্বাইন ফুল (Kolombain Phul)

Frenchancolie

Russianаквилегия (akvilegiya), водосбор (vodosbor)

Spanishaguileña, aquilegia

GermanAkelei

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.