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Aquilegia coerulea - E.James.

Common Name Rocky Mountain Columbine, Colorado blue columbine, Dailey's columbine, White Colorado columbine
Family Ranunculaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
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.
Habitats A wide range of habitats, especially in aspen groves[187], in the upper levels of the Rockies[60]. Rocky slopes or near streams in open woodland or herbland at elevations of 2100 - 3600 metres[270].
Range Western N. America - Montana to Arizona and New Mexico.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Aquilegia coerulea Rocky Mountain Columbine, Colorado blue columbine, Dailey


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Aquilegia_caerulea.jpg
Aquilegia coerulea Rocky Mountain Columbine, Colorado blue columbine, Dailey
ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Jsegraves99

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Aquilegia coerulea is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft).
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.
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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers
Edible Uses:

Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they have a sweet taste[172], they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Antispasmodic  Diaphoretic  Parasiticide  Parasiticide  Resolvent  Salve

Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve[172]. The seed was chewed, or an infusion of the root was used, to treat abdominal pains and general sickness[257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Parasiticide  Parasiticide

The seed is used as a parasiticide to rid the hair of lice[172].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sheltered sunny position[1]. It also succeeds in partial shade[187]. Intolerant of heavy clay soils[200]. A very ornamental plant, it is the state flower of Colorado[187, 270]. Most species are short-lived, dying out after 2 - 3 years, though they usually produce seed prolifically[200]. 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]. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be slow to germinate[200]. 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[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

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

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Aquilegia brevistylaSmallflower columbinePerennial0.9 0-0  LMSNM211
Aquilegia buergeriana Perennial0.6 6-9  LMHSNM201
Aquilegia canadensisWild Columbine, Red columbine, Meeting Houses, Common ColumbinePerennial0.6 4-10 MLMSNM222
Aquilegia flabellataFan Columbine, Dwarf ColumbinePerennial0.3 3-9 SLMSNM201
Aquilegia flavescensColumbine, Yellow columbinePerennial0.8 4-8  LMSNM211
Aquilegia formosaWestern ColumbinePerennial0.8 3-7  LMSNM221
Aquilegia formosa truncataColumbinePerennial0.9 3-7  LMSNM221
Aquilegia jonesiiColumbine, Jones' columbine, Blue limestone columbinePerennial0.1 3-7  LMSNM211
Aquilegia karelinii Perennial0.8 -  LMSNM201
Aquilegia pubescensColumbine, Sierra columbinePerennial0.5 4-8  LMSNM211
Aquilegia shockleyi Perennial0.8 6-9  LMSNM211
Aquilegia vulgarisColumbine, European columbine, Granny's Bonnet, European CrowfootPerennial1.0 3-9 MLMSNM211
Semiaquilegia adoxoidesTian KuiPerennial0.3 5-9  LMHSNM02 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

E.James.

Botanical References

60200270

Links / References

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