NC Unit Herb of the Month...

Columbine, Aquilegia canadensis. Kathy Schlosser

Doves or Talons??

Aquilegia canadensis, Wild Columbine

An early blooming perennial native plant species, Columbine is usually in full bloom by early April and setting seed in May.  A few blooms will continue appearing a while longer.  Each plant produces enough seed to share with all of your friends.  It seeds itself in the garden but is not an aggressive spreader.

The flowers wave lightly in spring breezes, catching the attention of early hummingbirds and long-tongued bees.

The seeds of Aquilegia canadensis "were crushed and used by American Indians for headaches, fevers and as love charms. Whole seeds were rubbed into the scalp and hair to control lice."
(from www.monticello.org).

The scientific name aquilegia is attributed to Linnaeus (the Swedish botanist, 1707-1778) who thought the spurred petals resembled the talons of eagles.  Others suggested they looked like "pigeons around a plate."  

The common name Columbine was likewise attributed to the Latin columbinus, pertaining to pigeons or doves.

In any case, it is worth taking time to look closely at the flowers, just for the pleasure of having them in your herb garden.

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The white, blue and yellow Columbines common in nurseries are native to our western states. This photo was taken in Idaho.