Aquilegia vulgaris Columbine (Ranunculaceae)

Browse Plants Articles

Power Search!

Browse Botanic Names

Sponsored By KhorWills

Aquilegia vulgaris
Columbine
(1 Page of 5)

The Aquilegia vulgaris plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Columbine.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Aquilegia vulgaris
Common Name:  Columbine
Family:  Ranunculaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The plant is poisonous though the toxins are destroyed by heat or by drying[7, 19]. Although this plant contains alkaloids, no cases of poisoning to humans or other mammals have been recorded[76].

Mature Height:  1   Mature Width:  0.5

Habitat:  Moist shady positions, especially on calcareous soils or fenland peat[7, 17, 31].

Cultivation Notes: Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sunny position[1]. Thrives in partial shade[1, 111]. Intolerant of heavy clay[200]. Plants are hardy to at least -25°c[187]. Whilst the blue-flowered forms of this species have no scent, white flowered forms have a soft clove scent in order to attract pollinating insects[245]. Most species are short-lived, dying out after 2 - 3 years, though they usually produce seed prolifically[200]. This species usually self-sows freely in the garden, it is very apt to hybridize with other members of the genus and usually becomes the dominant partner in any hybridization[200]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54, 201]. It also attracts red spider mites to the garden, these can then move on to other crops such as apples, pears and strawberries[201]. It grows well with rhubarb[201].

For further Aquilegia vulgaris gardening information
click on one of the blue links below

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'.
View their bibliography
Useful Edible Plants Future