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Wild
Columbine
Aquilegia canadensis
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Columbine
picture
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Description
The Columbine is a delicate but hardy perennial which typically
grows to heights of 1-2 feet tall from a slender and highly branched stem
(4). The stem is frequented with both basal and alternate type
leaves that are compound and grow in divisions of three (2). The
classic appeal of the Columbine is largely attributed to its showy
arrangement of spurred flowers which appear in shades of bright red and
yellow. The flowers have regular parts up to 5 cm long (6) that alternate with five reddish sepals
(3). The flower petals are red
with yellow lips and project backwards into long hollow spurs, sweetened
with nectar for hungry pollinators (4). The fruit of the Columbine
occurs in five erect follicles and contains shiny black seeds (4).
Geographic Location
Wild Columbine can be found in many geographic ranges throughout
the world. Its geographic distribution occurs from Nova Scotia to the
Northwest territories and continues South into areas of Florida and Texas
(3).
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Native Habitat
Wild Columbine can be seen in abundance, growing in natural
habitats that are moist and rocky. It is a familiar inhabitant of
stream banks, deciduous woodlands, and rocky ledges, and typically grows in
open sites that are partially shaded (3).
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Natural habitat
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Optimal Growing Conditions
Wild Columbine is a hardy plant that adapts to most garden
conditions (3) and is a favorite among home gardeners. It will grow in a variety of soils but it generally
prefers those which are slightly moist and acidic, and well-drained.
It grows best in light shade but will tolerate full sun if daytime
temperatures are not too hot (3). Columbine is grown easily from seed and
typically blooms in the months of April thru July (5).
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Economic Importance
Columbine is a popular plant among the nursery trade, where it
serves as a nice addition to many home gardens and a useful perennial for
landscaping purposes (5).
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Another
Columbine
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Ethnobotanical and Cultural Information
Wild Columbine has been a popular plant with the Native American
culture for many centuries. Among some Indian tribes, infusions from
different parts of the plant are commonly used to treat an assortment of
medical ailments such as heart trouble, fever, and poison-ivy (3). The
root tea or chewed root exhibits diuretic properties, which make it useful
for treating diarrhea and other stomach problems (6). According
to Native American tradition, the crushed seeds of the Columbine plant
were also frequently used by the male tribe members as a perfume.
The paste formed from crushing the Columbine seeds was spread over the
male's clothing, leaving a fragrant aroma that was considered to be a love charm
(5). To the Native American culture, Columbine was also an
essential trade commodity and an important element in council meetings
where it was considered to possess persuasive powers (4,6).
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Fascinating Facts
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In Latin, the word
Columbine means "dove-like," alluding to the spurred petals
of the flower, which some describe as a ring of doves drinking from
a fountain (3).
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Wild Columbine is
especially popular with the North American ruby-throated Hummingbirds that visit these beautiful
flowers and feed off of the sweet-tasting nectar located inside the
long-necked spurs (1). The flower benefits in return as the
hummingbirds tour other Columbines and transmit pollen from flower to
flower.
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A similar species
known as Aquilegia caerules is the official state flower of
Colorado. Except for its white and lavender trademark colors, it
looks similar to the Wild Columbine and is protected by state laws which prohibit uprooting
(7). For
a picture click here.
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The Wild Columbine
plant may be toxic if consumed in large quantities (6).
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Close-up
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Created by: Becca Lenhard, Plant Biology,
Fall 2002 |
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