COLUMBINE : Aquilegia vulgaris
Also called 'Granny's Nightcap' or 'Granny's Bonnet'.
Columbine is a fairly tall plant with slender, yet strong steps and cherful, slightly papery looking flowers. Its flowers are very distinctive with their nodding bonnet shape that reminds us of what granny may have worn in older times.
In its natural form they are dark blue or purple, but other colours such as white and pink are also found although these will be hybrids escaped from gardens.
It can be found widely in open woodlands and edges of paths where it will attract bees.
Columbine found along the upper Leven towpath in its native purple / violet hues.
Also near the Leven towpath a pink, almost white, stand of columbine is found. This is presumed to be an escapee from a garden.
WILDLIFE TRUSTS : https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife-explorer/wildflowers/columbine
