Columbine is a
native
perennial plant of the UK, typically found growing in grassland and woodland, to a mature height of up to 120cm.
Columbine, also known as Aquilegia (or 'Granny's Bonnets' from the shape of its flowerheads), is a native plant with cultivated forms commonly found in British gardens. The wild form has purple-blue flowers but cultivars exist in a wide range of solid and mixed colours, including red, yellow and white. The presence of established uncultivated Columbine can be an indicator of ancient woodland.
Botanic classification and naming: Columbine is a member of the Buttercup (Ranunculaceae) family. The genus name
'Aquilegia' identifies the plant as a Columbine, a plant with 'eagle-clawed' flowers and its species name 'vulgaris' means 'common species'.
Concerns: Columbine contains potent toxins affecting the heart and digestive system, especially in its roots and seeds.
Benefits: Attracts long-tongued bees to feed on its nectar. Short-tongued bees sometimes also feed on the nectar by biting through the nectar-bearing spurs.
Benefits to wildlife are also indicated with orange icons in the plant profile bar at the top.
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