XAquilegia formosa - Western ColumbineX
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Western Columbine -or- Crimson columbine -or- Scarlet columbine -or- Red columbine -or- Crimson columbine -or- Sitka Columbine (Aquilegia formosa), family Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Columbine has a widespread distribution and is commonly seen throughout the Pacific Northwest. Flora of North America recognises 3 distinct varieties of formosa: formosa, hypolasia, truncata.
USES:
The marvelous website Plants For A Future has these notes on uses and edibility:
Western columbine was quite frequently employed by a number of native North American Indian tribes who used it to treat a variety of complaints. It is little used in modern herbalism. Antispasmodic, diaphoretic, parasiticide, resolvent, salve. A decoction of the root is used in the treatment of diarrhoea and stomach aches. A decoction of the roots and leaves is used in the treatment of VD, dizziness and biliousness. The mashed fresh roots can be rubbed briskly on aching rheumatic joints. A poultice of chewed roots or leaves is applied to bee stings, sores etc. A decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of sore throats, coughs and colds. The seeds can be chewed as a remedy for stomach aches. The seed is used to rid the hair of lice. The whole plant is boiled up and used as a hair wash. The seeds are aromatic. They can be crushed and rubbed on the body as a perfume or placed in a sachet and stored with clothes to impart a nice smell. Flora of North America also mentions: as a charm to gain the affections of men or to retain wealth and possessions.
If you want to attract hummingbirds, plant Columbine. They are a known pollinator of this beautiful plant. This species grows well in nutrient poor soil.
Flower -
Plant location: This flower was photographed by Mark when we hiked Dog Mountain on July 3, 2005. The plant and foliage were shot by Darice in the Nisqually Washington area in late June 2007. See the BONAP distribution map, here.Plant -
Bloom period: May through August. Grows in moist, open woods, banks and seeps from and elevation range of 4000-9000 feet. Foliage -
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