There is some disagreement as to the origin of the genus name. It is either from the Latin aqua and legere meaning "to collect water" which refers to the nectar producing spur of the flower or it derives from the term aquila meaning "eagle" referring to the shape of the curved shape of the spur that resembles a bird's talon.

The common name comes from the way the flowers appear to resemble doves (species L. columba) drinking.

Columbines are beautiful, delicate woodland flowers. About the only downside is that they tend to be rather short-lived in the garden and need to be either replaced or you must depend on self-seeding. Also, there is an insect called a leaf miner that may weaken the plants which contributes to their short life span sometimes.