Wild Columbine, Red columbine, Meeting Houses, Common Columbine

Aquilegia canadensis

Physical Characteristics

Aquilegia canadensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor 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.

Distribution

N. America - Nova Scotia to the Northwest Territories and south to Nebraska, Texas and Florida.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Root Edible Uses: Flowers - raw. Sweet and delightful[172]. Rich in nectar[213], they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden[K]. Root[2, 105, 177]. These reports possibly refer to the root being chewed for its medicinal virtues[K]. Caution is advised, see notes above on toxicity[172].

Medicinal Uses

Anodyne Antispasmodic Astringent Diaphoretic Diuretic Febrifuge Parasiticide Parasiticide Resolvent Salve Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve[172, 222]. The root is astringent and diuretic[222, 257]. It is chewed or made into a weak tea for the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach aches[222]. The tea is used in the treatment of uterine bleeding[222]. The boiled plant was used as a hair wash[213]. The seed is anodyne and febrifuge[257]. An infusion is used in the treatment of headaches and fevers[257].

Known Hazards

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.