Columbine, European columbine, Granny's Bonnet, European Crowfoot

Aquilegia vulgaris

Physical Characteristics

Aquilegia vulgaris is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from April to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. 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

Central and southern Europe, including Britain, south and east to N. Africa and Temperate China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Edible Uses: Tea Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they are sweet and delightful[172], they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden[K]. The flowers are also used as a tea substitute[177].

Medicinal Uses

Antianxiety Astringent Depurative Diaphoretic Diuretic Homeopathy Parasiticide Parasiticide Columbine was formerly employed in herbal medicine mainly for its antiscorbutic effect, but it has fallen out of favour and is little used nowadays[268]. The leaves root and seed are astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, parasiticide[4, 7, 9, 19, 21]. Because of its toxic properties, this plant should not be taken internally without expert advice, though the root is sometimes used externally in poultices to treat ulcers and the commoner skin diseases[7, 268]. The plant can be harvested at any time from June to October[7]. Columbine has produced very unsatisfactory results and is not normally used medicinally[4]. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant[7]. It is used in the treatment of affections of the nervous system[7].

Known Hazards

The plant is poisonous though the toxins are destroyed by heat or by drying[7, 19]. Although this plant contains alkaloids, no cases of poisoning to humans or other mammals have been recorded[76].