Aquilegiifolia

Aquilegiifolia is a binomial epithet that can refer to several different plant species, but most commonly it is used for certain varieties of *Aquilegia*, commonly known as columbines. The specific epithet "aquilegiifolia" literally translates from Latin as "eagle-leaved" or "columbine-leaved," referring to the distinctive shape of the leaves which are deeply lobed and often resemble an eagle's talon or the shape of a columbine flower itself.

Plants designated with aquilegiifolia often possess foliage that is a key identifying characteristic. The leaves are typically basal and grow on long petioles, with the leaf blade divided into three leaflets, each further subdivided into rounded, often toothed lobes. This foliage can be a deep green or sometimes have a bluish or silvery cast, depending on the specific species or cultivar.

While the name primarily highlights the leaves, the flowers of aquilegiifolia columbines are also noteworthy. They generally feature the characteristic spurred petals typical of the Aquilegia genus. The colors can vary widely, including shades of blue, purple, pink, red, and white, often with contrasting inner petals. These flowers are attractive to pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

The term aquilegiifolia is not exclusive to a single species and may appear in the scientific names of different plants, but its common association is with the genus Aquilegia due to the shared leaf morphology. Therefore, when encountered, it is essential to consider the full scientific name or context to identify the precise plant being referenced.