Rocky Mountain Columbine

Aquilegia coerulea

Physical Characteristics

Aquilegia coerulea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) at a slow rate. 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. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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.

Distribution

Western N. America - Montana to Arizona and New Mexico.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Edible Uses: Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they have a sweet taste[172], they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden[K]. Although all columbines have reports of edible flowers, they must be treated with great caution. The flowers of A. coerulea are sweet at first taste, but their perfume- and medicine-like overtones suggest that they are best left for garnish only. Cooking dissipates some of these unusual flavors and produces a mild yellow broth. Other plant parts contain cardiogenic toxins and are poisonous. Even with flowers, only very small quantities should ever be consumed.

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Parasiticide Parasiticide Resolvent Salve Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve[172]. The seed was chewed, or an infusion of the root was used, to treat abdominal pains and general sickness[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.