species 5,994 observations

Golden Columbine

Aquilegia chrysantha

Field notes

Aquilegia chrysantha, the golden columbine, is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The plant, with a height of between 40 centimetres (16 in) and 120 centimetres (47 in), has yellow flowers. A. chrysantha. as with other members of the Aquilegia coerulea species complex, is evolved for pollination by hawkmoth. It favors moist environments in its mountainous range.

In gardens, a cultivar of the species known as 'Yellow Queen' is known for its appearance and won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Hybrids utilizing A. chrysantha, particularly those with Aquilegia coerulea, are especially popular. Both wild and cultivated A. chrysantha, known for their large flowers, require moist and well-drained soil.