Rocky Mountain Columbine, Colorado blue columbine, Dailey's columbine, White Colorado columbine
Aquilegia coerulea
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Aquilegia coerulea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from April to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
A wide range of habitats, especially in aspen groves, in the upper levels of the Rockies. Rocky slopes or near streams in open woodland or herbland at elevations of 2100 - 3600 metres.
Western N. America - Montana to Arizona and New Mexico.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they have a sweet taste, they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve. The seed was chewed, or an infusion of the root was used, to treat abdominal pains and general sickness.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Resolvent: Breaks down tumors. This might be placed under antitumor.
Salve: Soothes and heals damaged skin.
Other
Rating:
The seed is used as a parasiticide to rid the hair of lice.
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
How it is grown
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sheltered sunny position. It also succeeds in partial shade. Intolerant of heavy clay soils. A very ornamental plant, it is the state flower of Colorado. Most species are short-lived, dying out after 2 - 3 years, though they usually produce seed prolifically. However, they are very apt to hybridize with other members of the genus and so it becomes difficult to keep a species true to type if more than one is grown in the garden. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be slow to germinate. Stored seed can be sown in late winter in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no records of toxicity have been seen for this species, it belongs to a family that contains a number of mildly toxic species. It is therefore wise to exercise some caution. The flowers are probably perfectly safe to eat.