Aquilegia jonesii aka Jones' Columbine

Aquilegia jonesii is a small alpine perennial in the buttercup family. Its common names include Jones' columbine and blue limestone columbine. It grows wild from southern Alberta to Wyoming, including western Montana. Its native climate is subalpine or subarctic. Wild plants grow on limestone scree and in cracks in rock. These sites lie at elevations of 5,900–11,150 feet [1,800–3,400 metres].

The plant forms a low mound of close-set leaves. Each leaf is small, lobed, blue-green, and faintly hairy. The foliage dies back for winter. The RHS describes plants around 0.33–0.49 feet [0.10–0.15 metres] tall. Its broader size band reaches 1.64 feet [0.5 metres] tall and wide. Violet flowers face upward and have short spurs. They look large against the small leaves beneath them. Flowering takes place in early summer.

In gardens, this columbine needs gritty soil rich in humus. Water must drain freely, and clay soil is unsuitable. The RHS lists full sun as its preferred position. It accepts acid, neutral, or alkaline soil. Cool summers suit it better than hot conditions. Rock gardens, scree beds, and containers offer suitable growing sites. An alpine house is another option for growing it. Its low form also suits gravel gardens and small beds. The RHS gives it a UK hardiness rating of H5. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 3–7.

This perennial may have a short life in cultivation. The RHS gives two to five years to reach full size. Sow seeds where the plants will grow. The RHS warns that plants cannot be transplanted. It reports few problems with pests or disease. The plant needs no pruning. These traits limit routine work, but its soil needs remain strict. Good drainage and a cool site matter when choosing its place.

Plants For A Future lists the flowers as edible raw. Their nectar gives them a sweet taste, and salads are one reported use. The same source urges caution about eating this species. It found no reports of toxicity specific to this plant. However, it notes mildly toxic plants within the same family. That does not establish this species as either toxic or harmless. The source also records medicinal uses and seed treatments for lice. These are reported uses, not proof of safety or benefit.