Golden Columbine Aquilegia chrysantha
ABOUT
Aquilegia chrysantha, also known as the Golden Columbine, is a flowering plant that is well-known for its distinctive and striking appearance. The most eye-catching feature of the Golden Columbine is its beautiful flowers. These blossoms are typically bright yellow, adding a splash of color to any garden. Each flower has a complex structure with five outer petals that are elongated and spurred at the base, creating an elegant and intricate look. The inner petals are shorter and can sometimes have a slightly different hue or a hint of another color blending with the yellow. The flowers usually hang gracefully from the stems, nodding downwards, which gives them a delicate and lantern-like appearance. Surrounding the petals are sepals that may compliment or contrast in color, adding depth to the flower's overall aesthetics. Golden Columbine foliage is also noteworthy, comprised of leaves that are divided into rounded lobes. These lobes are often a deep green color, providing a lush background that makes the yellow flowers stand out even more. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette at the base and become more sparse and smaller as they ascend the stems. The plant tends to have a bushy, clumping habit, which allows it to fill in spaces within a garden and create patches of vibrant color and texture. The stems of the Golden Columbine are sturdy enough to support the weight of the flowers, yet they maintain a sense of gracefulness. Overall, the Golden Columbine is renowned for its captivating flowers and its ability to add a touch of elegance to any environment in which it is grown.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Golden Columbine, Yellow Columbine, Southwestern Golden Columbine, Granny's Bonnets
Common names
Aquilegia chrysantha var. chaplinei, Aquilegia chrysantha var. rydbergii.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as the Golden Columbine contains harmful compounds which can be toxic when ingested. If parts of the Golden Columbine are eaten by humans, the toxicity may lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, and or mild cardiotoxic effects. It is important to avoid ingesting any part of this plant to prevent these adverse health effects.
To pets
Golden Columbine is also toxic to pets. If your pet consumes parts of the plant, it may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling. In severe cases, Golden Columbine ingestion can potentially lead to heart problems or other serious health issues, so it's important to keep this plant out of reach of pets and to seek veterinary care if ingestion occurs.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.30 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Southwestern United States
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Golden Columbine is highly valued for its vibrant and distinctive yellow flowers, which add aesthetic beauty to gardens.
- Wildlife Attraction: The nectar-rich blooms attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in partially shaded environments, making it versatile for different garden designs and settings.
- Drought Resistance: Golden Columbine has relatively low water requirements once established, which makes it suitable for xeriscaping and drought-prone areas.
- Cooling Effect: By transpiring water through its leaves, the plant helps to cool the surrounding air, creating a more pleasant microclimate.
- Erosion Control: The root system of Golden Columbine helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion, especially on slopes and banks.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Dye Production: Aquilegia chrysantha, commonly known as the golden columbine, can be used to produce a light yellow dye from its flowers, suitable for coloring textiles or crafts.
- Garden Design: With its striking flowers, the golden columbine is utilized in garden design to add height (up to 3 feet) and visual interest, often placed in background positions of flower beds.
- Butterfly Attraction: Golden columbines are known to attract butterflies, making them a valuable addition to butterfly gardens.
- Hummingbird Gardens: The nectar-rich blooms are particularly attractive to hummingbirds, making them a good choice for gardens designed to draw in these birds.
- Edible Flowers: The flowers of the golden columbine are edible and can be used as a decorative, albeit mildly flavored, addition to salads or as a garnish.
- Photography: Due to their ornamental nature, golden columbines are often used in photography for macro shots and botanical thematic photo shoots.
- Educational Tool: As a North American native plant, Aquilegia chrysantha can be used in educational settings to teach about native flora and the importance of planting indigenous species.
- Art Inspiration: The unique shape and color of golden columbine flowers make them a popular subject for botanical illustration and other nature-inspired artworks.
- Companion Planting: Golden columbine can be used in companion planting to provide a natural support system for other plants; its deep roots can help stabilize the soil and its shade can offer necessary protection for lower-growing plants.
- Crafting: Dried flowers and seed pods from Aquilegia chrysantha can be used in crafting, for example, in making dried flower arrangements or potpourri.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiGolden Columbine is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityGolden Columbine is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Strength: The name Aquilegia comes from the Latin word "aquila" which means eagle, referring to the flower’s spurs which resemble an eagle’s claws. It symbolizes strength and bravery.
- Resolve: Due to its hardy nature, the Golden Columbine is associated with determination and the ability to overcome difficulties.
- Foolishness: In the language of flowers, Columbines are sometimes linked to folly or foolishness possibly because of the nodding heads of the flowers, giving them a slightly silly appearance.
WaterThe Golden Columbine should be watered regularly, aiming to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions; more frequently during dry spells and less often during rainy periods. Use approximately one gallon of water per plant for each watering session to ensure the soil is adequately moistened. In the winter, reduce watering to once every two weeks or when the soil appears dry, as the plant requires less moisture during dormancy.
LightGolden Columbine thrives best in partial shade to full sun conditions. It prefers a spot that receives morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect it from the intense midday heat. Suitable lighting conditions help the Golden Columbine produce its characteristic vibrant blooms.
TemperatureGolden Columbine can survive in a temperature range from approximately 35°F to 85°F, but it flourishes in temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. It is fairly cold hardy and can tolerate light frosts. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures below freezing or extreme heat can damage the plant.
PruningPrune the Golden Columbine to remove dead or faded flowers and encourage additional blooming. This should be done periodically throughout the blooming season. After the plant has finished blooming, cut back the foliage to maintain a tidy appearance. The best time for major pruning is late fall or early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGolden Columbine thrives best in a well-draining soil with a mix of loam, organic compost, and a little sand to improve drainage. The ideal pH for this soil mix should range between 6.0 and 7.0 to match the natural woodland conditions the plant prefers.
RepottingGolden Columbine does not require frequent repotting as it can grow in the same spot for several years, but it may benefit from repotting every 3-4 years to refresh the soil and address any overcrowding issues.
Humidity & MistingGolden Columbine prefers moderate humidity levels, consistent with its native woodland environment. Excessive humidity is not necessary and can cause fungal problems, while too low humidity can stress the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade with moist, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Aquilegia chrysantha, commonly known as the Golden Columbine, begins with seed germination that typically occurs in spring when the soil temperatures are suitable. The seeds require light for germination, so they are sown on the soil surface or lightly covered with soil. Once germinated, the seedlings grow into vegetative plants with a rosette of basal leaves. This herbaceous perennial will then develop sturdy stems with distinctive, lobed leaves and eventually produce its iconic large, yellow flowers with long nectar spurs, usually in late spring or early summer. After pollination, mainly by hummingbirds, the flowers will develop into follicles containing numerous small black seeds that, when mature, are released to start a new generation. Golden Columbine plants will continue to grow and can live several years, flowering annually, with older plants forming larger clumps through vegetative propagation via short rhizomes, albeit they do not have an extremely long lifespan.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) can be propagated through various ways, but the most popular is by seed. To propagate Golden Columbine by seed, it's best to sow in late winter to early spring. Once collected from the plant, seeds should be surface-sown on moist, well-drained seed compost, preferably in trays or pots. Since they need light to germinate, the seeds should not be covered with soil but can be gently pressed into the compost for good contact. The seeds typically require a cold period to break dormancy, which can be provided naturally by the winter weather if sown outdoors, or by placing the sown seeds in a refrigerator (stratification) for about three to four weeks. Once the stratification period is over, seeds should be moved to a warm place (around 70°F or 21°C) for germination. Seedlings can then be pricked out and transplanted once they are large enough to handle.
