Golden Columbine
Aquilegia chrysantha
Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun. Tall yellow columbine; tolerates dry shade; supports hummingbirds.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listmedium water24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wideXeric / water-wiseZones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Sue Carnahan, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 2: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 3: (c) Daniel Z, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 4: Stan Shebs, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 5: Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
- Photo 6: (c) Rosario, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 1–3 (can be planted near the house)
- Site uses
- Cool north foundations, Dry shade under conifers
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17–24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- late spring, early summer
- Bloom color
- yellow
- Bloom length
- Long (several weeks)
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, montane
Planting & establishment
Deep-water first season to establish, then minimal water needed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Golden Columbine good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Golden Columbine is a well-suited perennial for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Golden Columbine get?
- It matures to about 24–36 in tall and 18–24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Golden Columbine?
- Space Golden Columbine about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller bed, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Golden Columbine hardy on the Front Range?
- Golden Columbine is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Golden Columbine need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- Is Golden Columbine native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Golden Columbine deer-resistant?
- Golden Columbine is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Golden Columbine a good firewise plant near the house?
- Golden Columbine is a lower-fuel choice suitable in defensible-space zones 1–3, it can be planted near the house when kept well irrigated and maintained. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- How long does Golden Columbine bloom?
- Golden Columbine blooms for several weeks, a long-season performer on the Front Range. Bloom timing shifts a week or two with elevation and spring weather.
