Black Columbine
aquilegia nigricans
Also known as: ["Black Columbine","Dark Columbine"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to the mountains of Central Europe, known for its distinctive dark-colored flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Aquilegia |
| Botanical Name: | Aquilegia nigricans |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with partial shade, or container in a sheltered spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Well-draining to slightly moist.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in late fall or early spring to tidy up.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or damaged parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun, avoid sudden exposure to intense light, and provide shade during peak summer hours.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderateModerate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; avoid hot afternoon sun; adjust shade as seasons change.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage, ensure soil dries slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-draining, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage, enrich with organic matter, and avoid waterlogging.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–75°F or 10–24°C); prefers cooler conditions during active growth.
Protect from frost, avoid sudden temperature swings, and maintain moderate conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excess growth, stop in late summer, and use a balanced formula.
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; division of clumps can also be done after flowering.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds shallowly, keep moist.
- For division, separate clumps, replant immediately, and water well.
Best Time: Early spring for seeds; late summer or early fall for division.
Environment
Cool temperatures (60–65°F or 15–18°C), high humidity, and partial shade for seeds; similar conditions for division.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or garden soil for division.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone may help for division.
Timeline
Seeds may take 2–3 weeks to germinate; division establishes quickly in the growing season.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pots, garden trowel, pruners, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in fall for spring germination; divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead spent flowers; cut back leggy or overgrown stems to maintain shape.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and cut back foliage in late fall or early spring.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, and clean scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers, cut back old foliage, clean tools, and dispose of debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2 inches in diameter).
Method
Gently remove plant, trim roots if needed, place in a slightly larger pot with fresh soil, and water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for container-grown plants.
Checklist
Choose new pot, prepare fresh soil, inspect roots, water after repotting, place in appropriate light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, allow drainage, avoid wetting foliage, adjust for weather.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, ensuring the root zone is moistened but not waterlogged; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and drainage; incorporate perlite or sand if soil is heavy.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf damage or dieback in prolonged freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch, move potted plants indoors, or cover outdoor plants during frost.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.
Solution: Provide shade, increase watering, and ensure good air circulation to mitigate heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growing season, avoid winter feeding, rinse soil occasionally.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats are susceptible to mild to moderate toxicity from Aquilegia nigricans, with symptoms primarily affecting the gastrointestinal and neurological systems. The alkaloids in the plant can cause discomfort and distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Aquilegia nigricans can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset and neurological disturbances due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids. Symptoms are typically not severe but warrant monitoring.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAquilegia nigricans contains toxic compounds, primarily isoquinoline alkaloids, which can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms upon ingestion. The plant's effects are generally not life-threatening but can be unpleasant.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Aquilegia nigricans toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How difficult is it to care for Aquilegia nigricans?
A: It has moderate care difficulty, requiring balanced maintenance.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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