Flower for the Day Columbine 5-19-21

Each year I have columbine (Aquilegia) in the gardens. The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word for eagle (aquila), because of the shape of the flower petals, which are said to resemble an eagle's claw. The common name "columbine" comes from the Latin for "dove", due to the resemblance of the inverted flower to five doves clustered together.

My columbines last in one spot for 2-3 years. They propagate by seed and so the wind and birds carry them to other areas of the garden. 

I like the native columbines the best but the hybrids are interesting.

Columbines have been important in the study of evolution. It was found that the Sierra columbine (A. pubescens) and crimson columbine(A. formosa) each has adapted specifically to a pollinator. Bees and hummingbirds are the visitors to A. formosa, while hawkmoths  would only visit A. pubescens when given a choice. Such a "pollinator syndrome", being due to flower color and orientation controlled by their genetics, ensures reproductive isolation and can be a cause of speciation.

Haiku: Columbines

columbines –
every petal a swan
embracing his brother

 August 22, 2019 / Isabel Caves