While hiking in the Sierras, I saw a group of these beautiful purple flowers growing out in a meadow. I thought they had such a unique shape and brilliant color. Turns out, what I photographed was the Aquilegia, more commonly known as columbine.
The name of these perennial plants derive from the Latin word aquila, meaning eagle. This is because the flower is said to resemble the claw of an eagle. Can you see it?
Many cultivars are available, and popular, for use in home gardens, but did you know that you can also eat the flowers (in moderation)? Said to be sweet in taste, Native Americans used this flower as a condiment with other greens. Just don't eat the roots or seeds - they are very toxic!
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