Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Aquilegia
Species: Aquilegia vulgaris L.
Common Name(s): columbine, granny’s bonnet, European columbine, European crowfoot, capon’s-feather, granny bonnets; (Spanish) aguileña
.
Aquilegia vulgaris is a species of columbine native to Europe. It is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant with branched and thinly hairy stems that can reach heights of up to 1.2 meters. The flowers, that bloom in early summer, come in various shades of purple, blue, pink and white.
Etymology
The common name “columbine” comes from the Latin word “columbia” or “dove,” and means dove-like. The name is given because the flowers resemble a circle of doves; the long nectaries are the heads and shoulders of the birds and the flaring petals are the birds’ wings.25
Fables, Folklore, and Mythology
It was said that the god Venus carried a posy of columbine to arouse the affections of her lover Mars, the god of war. In religious art, the columbine was likened to a white dove and symbolized the Holy Ghost.26 In medieval Europe, the columbine flower was often associated with love and fidelity, sometimes used in love potions or given as a symbol of affection. Additionally, in some cultures, columbines were believed to protect against evil spirits or, when planted in gardens, bring good luck to the home. Conversely, there were superstitions that associated the plant with witches and fairies, leading to the belief that it could attract misfortune if brought indoors.27
Traditional Medicine and Modern Science
Nicholas Culpeper, a well-known English botanist, herbalist, physician, and astrologer of the 17th century, recommended the seeds be consumed with wine to speed the process of childbirth. Today, columbine is used in herbal medicine for its properties as an astringent and diuretic.28
Notes on Toxicity
Columbine contains toxins that can cause gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large quantities. The entire plant, including its seeds and roots, contains these toxic compounds. While columbine is not typically fatal if consumed in small amounts, it is still considered poisonous and can cause discomfort or illness if ingested.29
