More Aquilegia

These plants multiply by the continuous production of seed, therefore any picking of this flower can reduce the amount appearing next year.

White and pink flowers are quite seldom, so I'm very lucky to have this display just up the road.

The alpine variety is quite rare, and somewhat smaller. The spur is straighter, and the stem has only 1-3 flowers. Am now on the look-out!

From My Front Door

The columbine, Aquilegia vulgaris, is blooming beautifully. POISONOUS. The flower spurs are shaped like an eagle's (aquila) talons, hence the Latin name. It has been used as an astringent, Culpepper used the leaves in lotions for sore mouths, a bit hit and miss as to whether the patient survived though. A fabulous garden flower, that grows wild up here. (Information from Mrs Grieve, A Modern Herbal).