Aquilegia vulgaris, commonly known as columbine or granny’s bonnet, is a perennial wildflower native to Europe. It is distinguished by its nodding, blue to violet flowers with long, curved nectar spurs, a shape unlike most other meadow plants. The name Aquilegia comes from the Latin aquila (“eagle”), referring to the spurs resembling an eagle’s talons, while “granny’s bonnet” reflects the flower’s resemblance to old-fashioned headwear. Rich in symbolism, columbine has been associated with both love and folly in European folklore and medieval art, giving it a strong cultural presence beyond its delicate appearance.
