Aquilegia jonesii

Parry

Columbine

Ranunculaceae Edible: Flowers Potential hazards — see below 172 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Aquilegia jonesii, or Jones' columbine, is a perennial species of plant in the family Ranunculaceae, endemic to Alberta, Montana, and Wyoming.

Description

A tiny alpine perennial reaching only 10cm tall and 10cm wide. Hardy to UK zone 3. Flowers in July. Bee-pollinated hermaphrodite species. Grows in light sandy to medium loamy well-drained soils. Tolerates mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline pH. Can grow in semi-shade or full sun with preference for moist soil.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Edible Uses: Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they are sweet and delightful, they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden.

Traditional Uses

The flowers are rich in nectar and are sweet. They can be added to salads.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Parasiticide Parasiticide Resolvent Salve Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve.

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.

Distribution

A cold temperate plant. It grows at high altitudes and in limestone areas. It grows between 1,800-3,400 m above sea level. It needs lighter well-drained soil. It can tolerate light shade. It is best in moist soil. It suits hardiness zone 3.

Where It Grows

North America, USA,

Cultivation

Prefers a well-drained friable sandy loam with leaf mold. Intolerant of heavy clay. A very ornamental plant. This species deeply resents root disturbance and cannot be transplanted. Most species are short-lived, dying out after 2 - 3 years, though they usually produce seed prolifically. 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. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes.

Propagation

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