Plants and People Project

Columbine - Aquilegia

The eastern U.S. native species has red spurrs with yellow lips in the center. The western native species is blue and white.

Nicknames: Rock Lily, Cluckies, Jack-in-Trousers, Wild Honeysuckle, Granny's Bonnets, Dancing Fairies

American Indians used minute amounts of the seeds crushed to treat headaches. They also rubbed them in their hair to treat lice. They used the roots to make a medicine. Peterson's Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants

"At one time considered diuretic and diaphoretic, columbine is not at present used in practical medicine." The Dispensatory of the United States of America. 1918

Hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers.

Caution parts of this plant are reported to be poisonous.

DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT. No claims are made for the efficacy of any herb nor for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past. Be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.

Identification and other facts / More facts

Columbine