What to know about Aquilegia formosa (columbine) before using it medicinally

Aquilegia formosa, commonly known as columbine, is a medicinal herb renowned for its exceptional health properties, particularly its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, which have been shown to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the body.

As a hardy perennial, this herb is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care and attention, and is often used in cottage gardens and meadows due to its vibrant and delicate appearance. From a botanical standpoint, Aquilegia formosa is a member of the Ranunculaceae family, characterized by its unique, bell-shaped flowers and slender, fern-like foliage.

Historically, the herb has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, particularly in Asian cultures, where it has been used to treat a range of ailments, from fever to respiratory issues.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Aquilegia formosa.

What are the medicinal properties of Aquilegia formosa?

Aquilegia formosa helps with pain relief, particularly for rheumatism and arthritis, due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It has been used traditionally to treat digestive issues, such as diarrhea and dysentery, and as a diuretic to treat edema. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

The active constituents of Aquilegia formosa responsible for its medicinal properties are alkaloids, including choline and isoquinoline alkaloids. These compounds have been shown to have bioactive properties, including inhibition of bacterial growth and reduction of inflammation. Other constituents include glycosides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.

The parts of the plant most used for medicinal purposes are the roots and leaves. The roots are rich in alkaloids and are often used to treat digestive issues, while the leaves are used for their anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. The flowers are also used in traditional medicine, particularly for their antibacterial and antifungal effects.

Improper use of Aquilegia formosa can lead to gastrointestinal upset, allergic reactions, and interactions with other medications. The plant contains toxic alkaloids that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain when ingested in large quantities.

Precautions when using Aquilegia formosa medicinally include proper identification of the plant and its parts, as well as proper dosing and preparation. Users should also be aware of potential interactions with other medications, particularly blood thinners and diabetes medications. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using the plant for medicinal purposes.

What are the horticulural aspects of Aquilegia formosa?

Aquilegia formosa grow best in moist, well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun. They thrive in a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. This plant can tolerate dry spells but consistent moisture promotes healthy growth.

For optimal growth, plant Aquilegia formosa in a location with good air circulation, as this helps prevent disease. Space plants 12-18 inches apart, and 6-8 inches deep, taking care not to disturb the delicate roots. Plant seeds or seedlings in spring or fall for best results.

To harvest Aquilegia formosa seeds, allow the seed pods to dry completely, then open them by hand. Extract the seeds and store them in a cool, dry place. Bees and hummingbirds visit the flowers, so harvesting seeds at the right time is essential to avoid losing the seeds.

Pests like slugs, snails, and aphids commonly affect Aquilegia formosa, while diseases like powdery mildew and root rot can occur. Regular watering and pruning can help prevent disease, while hand-picking or using insecticidal soap can control pest populations.

What are the botanical aspects of Aquilegia formosa?

Aquilegia formosa is a perennial herbaceous plant characterized by its distinctive bell-shaped flowers, 2-5 cm long, and 1-2 cm wide, with 5-10 petals, often bi-colored, and a prominent spur. The plant grows to 30-60 cm in height, with pinnately compound leaves, 5-10 cm long, with 3-5 leaflets. The leaves are lance-shaped and have a pointed tip.

Aquilegia formosa belongs to the family Ranunculaceae and is classified within the genus Aquilegia. Its botanical name, Aquilegia, comes from the Latin word "aquilegia" meaning "eagle's glove" due to the plant's flower shape resembling a bird's claw. The species name "formosa" means "beautiful" in Latin. The plant is often referred to as the "columbine" due to its flower shape resembling a dove's neck.

Aquilegia formosa has several variants, including 'Robert Burns', 'Robert Moore', and 'Ruby Port'. These variants have different flower colors, including pink, red, purple, and blue, and different foliage characteristics. Some variants have bi-colored flowers with a darker color on the lower lip. Others have a more compact growth habit.

Aquilegia formosa is native to North America, specifically the western regions of the United States and Canada, from Alaska to California, and east to the Rocky Mountains. It grows in moist, shady areas, often near streams and in woodland edges. The plant is often found in meadows and rocky outcrops.

The life cycle of Aquilegia formosa involves germination of seeds in the fall, followed by growth of seedlings in the spring. The plant produces flowers in the spring and summer, with seeds developing in the summer and fall. The plant dies back to the ground in the fall, but regrows from underground rhizomes in the spring.

What are the historical aspects of Aquilegia formosa?

Aquilegia formosa is an herbaceous perennial native to the western coast of North America. Historically, its roots and leaves were used medicinally by various indigenous tribes, including the Native American Haida and Salish people.

In mythology, Aquilegia formosa is associated with the Ojibwe legend of the White Buffalo Calf Woman, who is said to have used its flowers to heal the tribe's ailing members. The plant's name "Aquilegia" is derived from the Latin word for eagle, possibly referring to its long, beak-like spur.

In the Victorian language of flowers, Aquilegia formosa represented eternal love and affection. Its delicate, bell-shaped flowers also symbolized fragile beauty and innocence. In some cultures, the plant's color and shape are associated with the feminine and creative aspects of the universe.

Aquilegia formosa is mentioned in various historical texts, including the 19th-century "The Medicinal Properties of the Plant Kingdom" by John Lindley and the "Phytologia" by Michel Adanson. The plant's botanical characteristics and medicinal properties are also described in the 17th-century "Hortus Floridus" by Caspar Bauhin.

Examples of historical artifacts that feature Aquilegia formosa include a 19th-century watercolor painting by Anna Atkins, a botanical illustration from the "Hortus Kewensis" by William Jackson Hooker, and a pressed specimen preserved in the Herbarium of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.