Western Columbine
Aquilegia formosa
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Aquilegia formosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. 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): 0.8
Where it is found
Widely distributed in many habitats from the coast to the coastal mountains. Moist woods and damp places in scrub and on banks from sea-level to 3000 metres.
Western N. America - Alaska to California, east to W. Montana and Utah.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they are sweet and delightful, they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden. Children enjoy sucking out the sweet nectar from the base of the flowers. Early spring greens cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked. Used by the N. American Indians as a famine food. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Western columbine was quite frequently employed by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is little used in modern herbalism. Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach aches. A decoction of the roots and leaves is used in the treatment of VD, dizziness and biliousness. The mashed fresh roots can be rubbed briskly on aching rheumatic joints. A poultice of chewed roots or leaves is applied to bee stings, sores etc. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of sore throats, coughs and colds. The seeds can be chewed as a remedy for stomach aches.
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 to rid the hair of lice. The whole plant is boiled up and used as a hair wash. The seeds are aromatic. They can be crushed and rubbed on the body as a perfume or placed in a sachet and stored with clothes to impart a nice smell.
Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.
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 or partial shade. Intolerant of heavy clay. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -15°c. A short-lived species, often dying out after 2 - 3 years, though it usually produces 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. This species is closely related to A. canadensis and A. flavescens, often hybridizing with A. flavescens in the wild where their ranges overlap. 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.