Columbine

Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers | Edible Uses: Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they are sweet and delightful[172, 213], they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden[K]. Children enjoy sucking out the sweet nectar from the base of the flowers[257]. Early spring greens cooked and eaten as a vegetable[257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Root - cooked. Used by the N. American Indians as a famine food[213]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Cultivation

Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sunny position[1]. Intolerant of heavy clay[200]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is hardy to about -15°c[187]. 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].

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

Mesic woods or shrublands from sea level to about 3500 metres[270].