Grow Wild to Know Wild
Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)

Flowers: May to June
Preferred site: Shade

©Jane Smart/Plantlife

Description: A tall, branching plant with leaves comprising 3 dull-green, rounded leaflets on stalks. The large, distinctive flowers are usually blue or violet-blue with 5 petals and 5 spurred sepals.

UK distribution: Widespread throughout Britain, especially in the west and south of England and Wales.

Habitats in the wild: A plant of damp habitats including woodlands and fens.

Conservation status and threats: Columbine is an uncommon but widespread native plant in Britain. Its distribution is stable, but this is uncertain, because a large number of garden escapes have become confused with truly wild populations. Lack of management poses a threat to some populations.

Reasons for any losses in the wild : Loss of damp habitats from drainage and abandonment. Pollution from intensive agriculture.

Folklore/medicinal uses : Columbine, also known as Granny's Bonnet and Granny's Nightcap, has been a popular subject for church carvings. Columbine comes from columba, a dove, and from the striking resemblance of the bases of the petals to five pigeons perched in a ring (Flora Britannica by Richard Mabey).

Columbine was formerly employed in herbal medicine, but it has fallen out of favour and is little used nowadays because of its toxic properties. The root is sometimes used externally in poultices to treat ulcers and the commoner skin diseases. A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant and is used in the treatment of afflictions of the nervous system (http://www.pfaf.org).

Position in garden : Wild Columbine is an archetypal cottage garden plant, bringing an abundance of colour for a few weeks in early summer. The plant is easy to please, but best grown in a fertile and well-drained soil in dappled shade or full sun. The plant will seed around freely where happy - and can be invasive - but unwanted plants are easily removed, or make ideal swaps.

How and when to plant: Plant out young, potted plants into well-prepared ground in spring or autumn.

Propagation: Columbines are usually propagated by seed, sown as soon as possible after ripening, and certainly by the following spring if stored properly. Sow in pots on a good seed compost, and keep moist(but not sodden) in a semi-shaded cold frame until germination occurs. Prick out singly into individual pots as soon as the plants are large enough to handle - they do not especially like root disturbance.

Sources of plants and seeds: Since Columbine is a parent of so many garden hybrid Aquilegias, it's difficult to find the true species, although these are available mail order and from specialist hardy plant and wild flower nurseries. See the RHS Plant Finder for details.

Varieties available: As well as the common garden Aquilegias bred from the true species, there are a wide range of varieties, including white (alba), double (flore-pleno) and pastel-coloured (Vervaeneana). A. vulgaris 'William Guiness' is a stunning, widely available variety with deep purple petals and a contrasting white centre.

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