Aquilegia formosa Western columbine (Ranunculaceae)

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Aquilegia formosa
Western columbine
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The Aquilegia formosa plant species is found in Western N. America - Alaska to California, east to W. Montana and Utah. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Western columbine.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Aquilegia formosa
Common Name:  Western columbine
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  Fisch.

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.

Mature Height:  0.75   Mature Width:  0.45

Habitat:  Widely distributed in many habitats from the coast to the coastal mountains[60]. Moist woods and damp places in scrub and on banks from sea-level to 3000 metres[187].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sheltered sunny position[1] or partial shade[187]. Intolerant of heavy clay[200]. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -15°c[187]. A short-lived species, often dying out after 2 - 3 years, though it usually produces seed prolifically[200, 233]. 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[200]. This species is closely related to A. canadensis[200] and A. flavescens[60]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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