Columbine Macro

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:... more

by Nick Boren

Title

Columbine Macro

Artist

Nick Boren

Medium

Photograph - Photograph - Digital

Description

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia:

Columbine is a hardy perennial, which propagates by seed. It will grow to a height of 15 to 20 inches. It will grow in full sun; however, it prefers growing in partial shade and well drained soil, and is able to tolerate average soils and dry soil conditions. Columbine is rated at hardiness zone 3 in the USA so does not require mulching or protection in the winter.[6][7]

Large numbers of hybrids are available for the garden, since the British A. vulgaris was joined by other European and North American varieties. [8] Aquilegia species are very interfertile, and will self-sow.[9] Some varieties are short-lived so are better treated as biennials. The following hybrid cultivars have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:

The flowers of various species of columbine were consumed in moderation by Native Americans as a condiment with other fresh greens, and are reported to be very sweet, and safe if consumed in small quantities. The plant's seeds and roots are highly poisonous however, and contain cardiogenic toxins which cause both severe gastroenteritis and heart palpitations if consumed as food. Native Americans used very small amounts of Aquilegia root as a treatment for ulcers.[citation needed] However, the medical use of this plant is better avoided due to its high toxicity; columbine poisonings may be fatal.[5]

The acute toxicity test in mice showed that ethanol extract and the main flavonoid compound isocytisoside from the leaves and stems of Aquilegia vulgaris can be classified as nontoxic since a dose of 3000 mg/kg did not cause mortality in mice.

Uploaded

May 22nd, 2013