Flowers - Columbine

Columbine is a perennial, I think. They seed freely, so perhaps there are new seedlings each year. These flowered in early May. Normally I get a lot of Columbine, but for some reason there were very few this year. The second photo shows the leaves, which are also attractive.

The formal name for Columbine is Aquilegia. From Wikipedia 'The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word for eagle (aquila), because of the shape of the flower petals, which are said to resemble an eagle's claw. The common name "columbine" comes from the Latin for "dove", due to the resemblance of the inverted flower to five doves clustered together.'

I bought these as a packet of seed in Giverny, at Monet's garden, so they have a nostalgic connection. These are single colour. Columbine are frequently multi-coloured, with the trumpet a contrast to the other petals.

Leaves

In bud

Nearly out

Click on photos for large version.