Aquilegia coerulea

E.James.

Rocky Mountain Columbine

Ranunculaceae Edible: Flowers Potential hazards — see below 12,391 iNaturalist observations

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Description

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.

Edible Uses

Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they have a sweet taste, they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden. 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. The seed was chewed, or an infusion of the root was used, to treat abdominal pains and general sickness.

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

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

Where It Grows

NORTHERN AMERICA: United States (Colorado, Idaho (southeast), Montana (south), Wyoming, New Mexico (north), Utah)

Cultivation

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sheltered sunny position. It also succeeds in partial shade. Intolerant of heavy clay soils. A very ornamental plant, it is the state flower of Colorado. 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. It thrives in moist but well-drained soils, often in partial shade, at elevations of 6,000–10,000 feet (1,800–3,000 m). The plant spreads slowly from seed and tends to form scattered colonies in montane habitats.

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.

Other Uses

Parasiticide Parasiticide. The seed is used as a parasiticide to rid the hair of lice. Ecologically, Colorado columbine is a valuable nectar source for hawkmoths, butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, which are adapted to its long nectar spurs.