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Common columbine
Also known as: European columbine
The common columbine is a tall, flowering plant, typically with a long stem and light purple flowers. The Latin specific name for the plant, "vulgaris," means "common," and it comes from the fact that the plants spread easily and grow in many places around Europe. Ancient Romans considered the common columbine to be sacred for the goddess, Venus.
Scientific classification
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Toxic to Humans
Toxicity
Perennial, Biennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Mid spring, Late spring, Early summer
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer
Harvest Time
30 cm to 1.2 m
Plant Height
30 cm
Spread
Green, Blue
Leaf Color
3 cm to 5 cm
Flower Size
Brown
Fruit Color
Blue, Violet, White, Pink, Purple
Flower Color
Green, Purple, Blue
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Images of Common columbine

Distribution of Common columbine

Distribution Map
Although native to Europe, common columbine has also become established in some regions of North and South America, eastern Russia, and southeast Australia. It's a plant that grows naturally in shaded areas of woodlands and open scrub. It is widely cultivated as a garden plant.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Moist shady positions, fenland peat
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
Common columbine is a popular perennial garden flower grown for its array of colors and lovely clump-forming habit. Naturalistic and pollinator-friendly gardens particularly benefit from the common columbine, which also makes a lovely specimen piece. They can be used in beds, borders, or even patios. Grow them together with lightly colored plants such as ferns and tiarella to enhance their color!
Symbolism
Faithless love, a cheating man, wisdom, knowledge, piety
Name Story
Common columbine: This plant is most often called common columbine. The name Columbine is evolved from the Latin name, colombina meaning a dove-like plant. Due to its pentagram-shaped flowers and it has five stamens, it is often compared to five groups of pigeons. It's also the most common type of pigeon in the genus, so it's called common columbine.
Granny's bonnet: When you see the flowers, you will feel that it is depressed because its flowers grow in a downward direction. Its flowers are composed of two parts which the inner part is huddled with five petals while the outer part is a circle of outward spreading petals like a hatbrim. As the outer petals are a little wrinkled, it makes the plant look like Granny's bonnet.
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Toxicity

All parts of common columbine (stem, leaves, flowers, seeds) are toxic when ingested raw, causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats. Contact may lead to dermatitis. Immediate veterinary care is crucial if poisoning is suspected. Prevention and monitoring are key to pet safety around common columbine. Symptoms can include gastrointestinal upset and heart issues in dogs.
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Care Guide for Common columbine

Every week
Water
Partial sun
Sunlight
20 - 35 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Garden Soil
Soil Type
Water: Originating from temperate regions, common columbine prefers consistently moist soil with moderate drought tolerance. Weekly watering is optimal, especially during active growth, which supports lush foliage and flowering. Proper care involves avoiding overwatering and prolonged dry conditions to meet its hydration needs.
Fertilize: Common columbine benefits from balanced nutrition fertilizers every 4-6 weeks during active growth, with high phosphorus formulas for blooming. Reduce feeding in winter and dilute liquid fertilizers to half strength to prevent root burn. Avoid over-fertilization to protect common columbine.
Pruning: Common columbine features nodding flowers and fern-like leaves, benefiting from regular pruning. Techniques include deadheading and cutting back after flowering, ideally in early spring. Pruning improves air circulation, minimizes disease risk, and encourages growth. Use clean tools to avoid infection.
Propagation: Common columbine is a herbaceous perennial ideal for temperate gardens. Division during its dormant period effectively propagates the plant and enhances blooming. Each new section should have adequate roots, and regular watering is crucial for successful establishment.
Repotting: Common columbine is a bushy perennial that should be repotted every 2-3 years in early spring to promote growth. Use a medium-sized container with well-draining soil, maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, and provide bright, indirect light for recovery and blooming.
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