The term "Columbine" refers to flowering plants within the genus Aquilegia, a member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. This genus encompasses a diverse group of herbaceous perennials known for their distinctive spurred flowers. Botanically, the defining feature of most Columbines is the set of five spurs that extend backwards from the petals. These spurs, which evolved through the modification of the petal's limb, primarily function as nectar repositories, attracting specific pollinators like hummingbirds, hawk moths, and bumblebees with their shape and nectar content. The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word aquila, meaning "eagle," referring to the spurred petals' resemblance to an eagle's talons.
Numerous species form the genetic foundation for the cultivated varieties available today. Key species exhibit significant variation in morphology, particularly in spur length, flower orientation, and native habitat. Aquilegia canadensis (Canadian or American Columbine) is notable for its red and yellow, nodding flowers with straight, short spurs, adapted for hummingbird pollination. In contrast, Aquilegia vulgaris (European Columbine) presents blue, violet, or white flowers with distinctly hooked spurs and a more upright or outward-facing habit. Aquilegia chrysantha (Golden Columbine), native to the American Southwest, boasts long-spurred, upright yellow flowers that are highly attractive to hawkmoths. Another species, Aquilegia flabellata (Fan Columbine), is recognized for its compact growth habit, blue-green foliage, and shorter-spurred, nodding blue-and-white flowers.
The extensive hybridization within the Aquilegia genus has resulted in a vast array of horticultural varieties, often grouped into series or strains. These cultivated forms showcase a dramatic expansion of the color palette and floral forms beyond what is found in wild species. The McKana Giants and Songbird series are celebrated for their long spurs and large, bi-colored flowers in combinations of blue, white, pink, red, and yellow. The ‘Clementine’ series offers double, spurless flowers that resemble small clematis blooms, presenting a unique morphological departure. Dwarf varieties, such as those derived from A. flabellata like ‘Mini-Star’, are prized for their compact form, making them suitable for rock gardens and container planting.
Beyond the flowers, Columbines share common foliage characteristics. The leaves are typically compound, with rounded-lobed leaflets (ternate or biternate), creating a soft, airy, blue-green to green mound of foliage. The leaves emerge in a basal rosette, from which flowering stems ascend. This foliage is often attractive in its own right but can become susceptible to leaf miner damage, creating unsightly trails but rarely killing the plant. Columbines are generally short-lived perennials, often persisting for 3-4 years, but they readily self-seed under favorable conditions, ensuring their continued presence in the garden. They perform best in well-drained soil and prefer partial shade to full sun in cooler climates.
