Species of Aquilegia are polymorphic and difficult to define adequately. Some of the variability is because of introgressive hybridization. Even distantly related species of columbine are often freely interfertile, and many cases of natural hybridization and introgression are known from North America. In arid areas Aquilegia species tend to form small populations often completely isolated from one another - this leads to local fixation of genes and therefore increased variability in species such as Aquilegia. micrantha and Aquilegia. desertorum . In addition, populations with spurless petals are occasionally found in many species[].

Common Name: Rocky Mountain Columbine

General Information

Aquilegia caerulea is a herbaceous, perennial plant producing a cluster of basal leaves with one or more flowering stems that can grow 15 - 80cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and food. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens.

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.

Botanical References

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Range

Western N. America - Montana, Wyoming, Nevada, Utsah, Colorado, Arizona and New Mexico.

Habitat

A wide range of habitats, especially in aspen groves[], in the upper levels of the Rockies[]. Rocky slopes or near streams in open woodland or herbland at elevations of 2,100 - 3,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

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[].

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[].

Medicinal

The plant is a
ntispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve[].

The seed was chewed, or an infusion of the root was used, to treat abdominal pains and general sickness[].

Other Uses

The seed is used as a parasiticide to rid the hair of lice[].

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[].