Hardy perennial and prolific self-seeder. Member of the Buttercup family. Also known as Granny Bonnets because of the resemblance of the flowers to old-fashioned bonnets. The wild version has blue flowers. Its name comes from the Latin for dove because, if you look carefully, the flowers look like a cluster of doves! Its Anglo-Saxon name was Culvertwort - "culfre" being the Anglo-Saxon word for pigeon. As with the Dove, Columbine was also symbolic of the Holy Ghost. The word Aquilegia comes from the Latin "aquila" meaning eagle, again because of the shape of the flowers. However, the name could also come from "aquilegus" meaning water carrier, because the flowers can hold water. The plant is said to have sprung up from where the feet of the Virgin Mary touched the ground on her way to see Elizabeth.Rare now in the wild Columbine has been a cottage garden plant since at least the fourteenth century. If found in the wild, it will usually be in damp, lime-rich areas, woods and fens.
Hundreds of years ago, Columbine was used to induce abortion, but, being poisonous, was a very dangerous plant to use. Root has also been used externally to treat ulcers. Was a popular subject in church carvings. In Nordic mythology the Columbine is said to have been a plant of the elves and was dedicated to the goddess of the heavens. In the Middle Ages it featured in sorcery. Roots have been used to treat ulcers. Other parts of the plant have been used to treat kidney stones and sore throats. Native American Indians used wild Columbine for treating heart problems and as a sedative in fever.
In the seventeenth century, Columbine became a symbol of cuckoldry and bouquets were presented to women who were thought "loose". The Victorians associated Columbine with folly and thanklessness. Columbine has also been used to treat measles, smallpox and liver problems, and jaundice if taken with Saffron. It is one of eight herbs cited in 1373 for the treatment of plague.
Bees love the unusual flowers amongst the frondy leaves. Flowers June to July and grows to about 60 cm (2 ft).
Plant in full sun or partial shade. Deadhead regularly to prolong flowering period. Cut down to soil level in late summer.
CAUTION - ALL PARTS ARE POISONOUS
*This sheet is provided for information only and is in no way a prescription for use. Please seek the advice of a qualified herbalist before using*