Practical
Plants

Aquilegia formosa

Western Columbine

a perennial member of the Aquilegia genus in the family Ranunculaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.75 m
Spread
0.45 m
Fertility
Bees
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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.

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they are sweet and delightful[2][5], 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[7]. Early spring greens cooked and eaten as a vegetable[7]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked. Used by the N. American Indians as a famine food[5]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Plant part
Flowers
Plant part
Leaves
Plant part
Root

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Western columbine was quite frequently employed by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints[7]. It is little used in modern herbalism. Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve[2]. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach aches[7]. A decoction of the roots and leaves is used in the treatment of VD, dizziness and biliousness[7]. The mashed fresh roots can be rubbed briskly on aching rheumatic joints[7]. A poultice of chewed roots or leaves is applied to bee stings, sores etc[7]. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of sore throats, coughs and colds[7]. The seeds can be chewed as a remedy for stomach aches[7].

Product or use
Antispasmodic
Product or use
Diaphoretic
Product or use
Parasiticide
Product or use
Resolvent
Product or use
Salve

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The seed is used to rid the hair of lice[2][7]. The whole plant is boiled up and used as a hair wash[5][7]. 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[7].

Product or use
Hair care
Product or use
Parasiticide

Environment

Range
Western N. America - Alaska to California, east to W. Montana and Utah.
Habitat
Widely distributed in many habitats from the coast to the coastal mountains[9]. Moist woods and damp places in scrub and on banks from sea-level to 3000 metres[3].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 3+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be slow to germinate[4]. 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[4].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sheltered sunny position[1] or partial shade[3]. Intolerant of heavy clay[4]. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -15°c[3]. A short-lived species, often dying out after 2 - 3 years, though it usually produces seed prolifically[4][6]. 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[4]. This species is closely related to A. canadensis[4] and A. flavescens[9]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[6]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[8].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6

  5. Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6

    ↩1↩2↩3

  6. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩1↩2

  7. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8↩9↩10↩11↩12

  8. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

    ↩

  9. Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press 1955-00-00

    ↩1↩2

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