Aquilegia vulgaris

Aquilegia vulgaris is a species of perennial flowering plant of the genus Aquilegia (columbine) in the family Ranunculaceae. Commonly called the common columbine, European crowfoot, and granny's bonnet, it presently possesses the most expansive range and greatest morphological variability in its genus. The current wild range of A. vulgaris includes its native range in Europe as well as introduced populations in Asia, Oceania, North America (where it has become naturalized), and South America.

The wild form of A. vulgaris can grow flowering stems that 90 cm (35 in) tall from and often form a bushy clump at its base. In their native range, the species blooms from May to June. The flowers, with diameters measuring up to 60 mm (2.4 in) across, are typically blue or purple and possess petals with structures known as nectar spurs.

Associated with fertility goddesses in ancient Greece and ancient Rome, archeological evidence suggests A. vulgaris was in cultivation by the 2nd century AD in Roman Britain. The species represented virtuous behaviour, the Holy Spirit, and the Trinity within Christian art; in other contexts, such as William Shakespeare's Hamlet, A. vulgaris was a malevolent symbol. While it has been treated as an herbal remedy since the Middle Ages, some chemicals within the plant are toxic to humans. The species was given its scientific binomial name by Carl Linnaeus in his 1753 Species Plantarum.

Some horticultural varieties, known as cultivars, that were developed by the 16th century have remained popular with gardeners. Cultivars of A. vulgaris have continued to be developed, as have hybrids crossing it with other columbines. The resulted plants produce an array of colours and double-flowered examples.