Aquilegia karelinii
| Aquilegia karelinii | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Aquilegia karelinii
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be slow to germinate[1]. Stored seed can be sown in late winter in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer.
Division in spring[1].
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Succeeds in ordinary garden soil, preferring a moist but not wet soil and a sunny position[2]. Intolerant of heavy clay[1].
Most species are short-lived, dying out after 2 - 3 years, though they usually produce seed prolifically[1]. 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[1].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[3].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[4].
Range: C. Asia.
Habitat: Damp ravines and on mountain slopes usually covered with spruce, juniper and broad-leaved trees, meadows with tall vegetation in the forest and alpine zones, 900 - 3600 metres[5].
Edibility: Flowers - raw. Rich in nectar, they are sweet and delightful[6], they make a very attractive addition to mixed salads and can also be used as a thirst-quenching munch in the garden[K].
Usage: The seed is used to rid the hair of lice[6].
Sap from flowers, slightly diluted with water, is used as an ink[5].
Pollinators: Bees
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
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.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Komarov, Vladimir. Flora of the USSR. Gantner Verlag, 1968.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Schofield, Janice. Discovering Wild Plants.