Columbine — Maine Wildflowers

Pink Columbine ©Nannette Richford

Columbine (Aquilegia sp) grows wild throughout Maine. With approximately 60 to 70 species, you may encounter a variety of colors as well as slight variations in the size and shape of the blooms. All are bell-shaped with petals that curl upward and inward to form what some think resembles an eagle's talon. In fact, it is this unusual shape that likely earned the genus the Latin name of Aquilegia, a derivative of the Latin word aquila meaning eagle.

Purple Columbine ©Nannette Richford

In my area of Maine, columbines typically range in color from nearly white to shades of pink and purple. 

Red and Yellow Columbine

Red and yellow columbine can also be found in Maine. ​Columbines bloom in early summer and can be found along roadsides, along the edges of wooded areas or in partially shaded areas in meadows. These striking flowers typically naturalize easily and are ideal for adding to wildflower gardens.