Golden Columbine Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'
ABOUT
The 'Yellow Queen' is a captivating plant known for its striking flowers, which are the hallmark of its appearance. The flowers are a bright, sunny yellow color that can add a cheerful touch to any garden space. They feature an intricate shape with a series of delicate, elongated petals that form a unique spurred structure, which is characteristic of this type of plant. The spurs, extending backward from the petals, give the flower an almost whimsical or fairy-like appearance. Inside the flower, there are contrasting stamens and pistils which can be quite prominent, often visible as they extend slightly out of the bloom’s center. The foliage of the 'Yellow Queen' is equally attractive, with a bluish-green hue. The leaves are compound, with each main leaf branching into smaller leaflets that have a rounded shape but may be lobed or jagged along their edges. These leaves are typically arranged in a rosette form at the base of the plant, which gives the plant a lush, full look even when it is not in bloom. The stems that carry the flowers are sturdy and arise from among the leaves, lifting the attractive blooms above the foliage so they can sway gently in the breeze. Overall, the 'Yellow Queen' presents a stunning display with its vibrant flowers and lovely foliage, making it an eye-catching addition to any garden or floral arrangement. The beauty of its sunny yellow blooms stands out among the greenery, beckoning to garden visitors and pollinators alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Golden Columbine, Yellow Columbine, Yellow Queen.
Common names
Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen'.
ToxicityTo humans
Golden Columbine is known to contain compounds that can be toxic if ingested, particularly its seeds and roots. While not typically considered highly toxic, it can still cause mild to moderate symptoms if consumed. The symptoms of Golden Columbine poisoning may include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ingesting large amounts of the plant can potentially lead to more severe symptoms, so it is advisable to keep Golden Columbine out of reach of children and educate them about the dangers of eating unknown plants.
To pets
Golden Columbine can also be toxic to pets if ingested. As with humans, the most poisonous parts of the plant are its seeds and roots. If a pet consumes Golden Columbine, it may show symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and salivation. More severe signs might include tremors or heart issues if a large amount is ingested. As pets often explore with their mouths, it is crucial to monitor their access to Golden Columbine and to consult a veterinarian if you suspect your pet may have ingested this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2-3 feet (60-91 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-9
Native area
Southwest USA
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen', commonly known as Golden Columbine, is known for drawing bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are crucial for pollination.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The vibrant yellow flowers add a splash of color to gardens and landscapes, enhancing visual interest.
- Low Maintenance: Golden Columbine typically requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has good tolerance to drought conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping or water-wise gardens.
- Cool Season Interest: It blooms in the late spring to early summer, providing color and interest during a season when many other plants are yet to flower.
- Wildlife Habitat: By attracting pollinators, it also provides a habitat and food source for a variety of wildlife.
- Shade Tolerance: It can grow in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade, thus versatile in garden placement.
- Naturalizing: Golden Columbine can self-seed under optimal conditions, naturally filling in garden spaces.
- Companion Planting: It pairs well with other shade garden plants, such as ferns and hostas, creating diverse and lush plantings.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The leaves of the Golden Columbine can be used in artistic compositions, such as pressed flower art, due to their distinctive shape and texture.
- Due to the plant's attractive foliage, Golden Columbine can serve as a natural backdrop in photography, especially macro and plant photography.
- Golden Columbine can be planted in outdoor educational spaces like school gardens where students can learn about pollination and plant life cycles.
- The seeds of Golden Columbine can be used in seed exchange programs to promote biodiversity and horticultural interest among gardeners.
- Golden Columbine's dried seed pods can be utilized in decorative arrangements or as part of homemade potpourri mixtures.
- Utilize Golden Columbine in a rain garden setup to help absorb excess water and reduce runoff, as it can tolerate some moisture.
- Gardeners can use the plant as a means to provide visual cues for garden layout, with its height serving as a natural way to create varied levels in garden design.
- Golden Columbine can be part of a habitat garden designed to attract and support local wildlife, such as hummingbirds and butterflies.
- When in bloom, the flowers of Golden Columbine can be floated in shallow bowls of water as a decorative element for outdoor garden parties or events.
- In eco-friendly construction, Golden Columbine can be established on green roofs where its aesthetic appeal and hardiness are valuable.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Golden Columbine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Golden Columbine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: The genus name Aquilegia is derived from the Latin word "aquila," which means eagle. The plant’s spurs are said to resemble an eagle's talons, symbolizing strength and power.
- Resilience: As a perennial plant, the Golden Columbine represents endurance and the ability to thrive, especially in rocky and high-altitude environments where it is often found.
- Solitude: Golden Columbine often grows in isolated places, symbolizing a love for solitude and the enjoyment of one's own company.
- Foolishness: In the language of flowers, columbines have historically been associated with folly or foolishness, possibly due to their nodding head-like flowers and the common name "columbine" being similar to "columbino" which is Italian for a little dove (a bird that was once considered foolish).
- Peace: The soft, gentle appearance of the nodding yellow flowers may also represent peace and tranquility.
WaterGolden Columbine should be watered regularly, aiming for moist but not soggy soil. During growing season, water approximately once a week, with about 1.5 gallons for established plants in the landscape; younger plants may need slightly less. Adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions, watering more during hot, dry periods and less during cool, rainy spells. Overwintering plants require less water; decrease frequency but don't allow the soil to completely dry out. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
LightGolden Columbine thrives in partial shade to full sun. Ideal locations offer morning sunlight with afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoiding intense, midday sun prevents leaf scorch, especially in hotter climates. Locations with east or northeast exposure are typically excellent.
TemperatureGolden Columbine is hardy and prefers temperate conditions. It can survive in temperatures ranging from 10°F to 85°F, with optimal growth occurring between 60°F and 75°F. Protect from extreme heat or cold to maintain plant health.
PruningPrune Golden Columbine after flowering to maintain plant shape and encourage new growth. Cut back spent flower stalks to the base. Pruning can be done annually or as needed when the plant appears untidy. Early spring or just after flowering are the best times for pruning.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Golden Columbine thrives in well-draining, moist soil with a mix of loam and organic matter. A pH between 5.5 to 7.0 is ideal for optimal growth.
RepottingGolden Columbines typically do not need frequent repotting and can thrive in the same spot for several years unless they outgrow their current space.
Humidity & MistingGolden Columbines prefer moderate humidity but are adaptable to the ambient outdoor humidity in most temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for indoor Golden Columbines.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil for outdoor Golden Columbines.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Columbine 'Yellow Queen' begins with seed germination, typically taking place in spring under suitable conditions of moisture and light. Seedlings develop true leaves and continue to grow throughout the spring and summer, establishing a small rosette. In the following years, the plant progresses to a mature vegetative stage, developing a larger and deeper root system, and by late spring or early summer, it starts to produce tall flowering stalks. The vibrant yellow flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. After pollination, the flowers develop into follicles containing many black seeds, which are released as the seed pods dry in late summer. Finally, the plant may enter a period of dormancy in the fall or winter, with foliage dying back, to re-emerge from the perennial rootstock the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Columbine 'Yellow Queen', also known as Aquilegia chrysantha 'Yellow Queen', is commonly propagated by seed. The best time to sow the seeds is during the spring after the danger of frost has passed, or seeds can be sown in late summer to early fall. To propagate by seed, it is advisable to start them indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected frost. Seeds should be pressed lightly into the soil as they need light to germinate and kept at a temperature of around 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius). It generally takes about 30 days for columbine seeds to germinate. Once seedlings have developed true leaves and are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted outdoors to a location with partial to full sunlight and well-draining soil. Seed propagation allows for easy multiplication of plants, but it's worth noting that hybrids like 'Yellow Queen' may not come true from seed, meaning the offspring may vary from the parent plant.
