Western Columbine

Aquilegia formosa

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Western N. America - Alaska to California, east to W. Montana and Utah.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Leaves Root Edible Uses: As with other columbines, only the flowers are reported edible, but their flavor is poor. Crimson columbine flowers have brief sweetness from nectar quickly overtaken by strong medicine-like overtones. Like all Aquilegia species, the foliage, roots, and seeds are toxic due to alkaloids and cyanogenic glycosides, and ingestion can cause severe illness [2-3]. Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they are sweet and delightful[172, 213], they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden[K]. Children enjoy sucking out the sweet nectar from the base of the flowers[257]. Early spring greens cooked and eaten as a vegetable[257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked. Used by the N. American Indians as a famine food[213]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Parasiticide Parasiticide Resolvent Salve Western columbine was quite frequently employed by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[257]. It is little used in modern herbalism. Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve[172]. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach aches[257]. A decoction of the roots and leaves is used in the treatment of VD, dizziness and biliousness[257]. The mashed fresh roots can be rubbed briskly on aching rheumatic joints[257]. A poultice of chewed roots or leaves is applied to bee stings, sores etc[257]. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of sore throats, coughs and colds[257]. The seeds can be chewed as a remedy for stomach aches[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.