Blue is the color least represented in my gardens so every season I try to add something blue to at least one or two beds. Turns out this particular variety of AQUILIGIA formosa is almost more lavender than blue. Technically a perennial, I've found it won't survive the harsh winters at my place so next season I'll find a 'bluer' variety.

The name AQUILIGIA comes from the Latin word for 'eagle' as the long spurs at the back of the flower resemble an eagle's talons while it's common name 'Columbine' comes from the Latin word 'columba' meaning dove-like. Either way this flower is known for its very distinctive spurred flowers and with a wide choice of hybrid varieties available it now comes in every color imaginable from pastels to darker shades as well as bi-colored blossoms as seen here.

I always note when one of my flowers is edible and while this flower is VERY popular w/ Hummingbirds for it's nectar loaded spurs, I have also found it said that it is highly toxic (w/ crushed seeds being an effective means of killing lice) hmmmnnn All I know for SURE is that it is one of the most intricate, interesting flowers in my gardens. Took this photo several weeks ago under a slightly over-cast sky.