Texas Gold Columbine

Aquilegia chrysantha var. hinckleyana

This columbine is native to the Big Bend area of Texas. It is a bushy, clump-forming plant that typically grows 18-24" tall. Features large, butter-yellow flowers with long, outward curving spurs. Blooms in spring. This native is synonymous with and sometimes sold by nurseries as Aquilegia hinckleyana. Aquilegia comes from the Latin word for eagle in reference to the flower's five spurs which purportedly resemble an eagle's talon.

Tolerates wide range of soils except heavy, poorly drained ones. Prefers rich, moist soils with light to moderate shade. This species tolerates heat and sun better than most other species, however remove flowering stems after bloom to courage additional bloom. Keep soils uniformly moist after bloom to prolong attractive foliage appearance. When foliage depreciates, plants may be cut to the ground. Reseeds well in optimum growing conditions as long as flowers are not deadheaded.

Popular and gorgeous spring bloomer when given preferred growing conditions of good soil, part shade and adequate moisture. Though it tolerates some heat, yellow columbine becomes susceptible to spider mites and aphids in very hot, arid conditions. Aquilegia species tend to hybridize when grown with other Aquilegias. To keep this species pure and true to flower color, grow different species far apart to avoid cross pollination.

Foliage usually declines by mid-summer at which point it should be cut to the ground.