golden columbine
Aquilegia chrysantha
Also known as: Hinckley's golden columbine, Rydberg's golden columbine, golden columbine
- Native to:
- Mexico, United States
Stan Shebs
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Aquilegia
- Species:
- Aquilegia chrysantha
- USDA Symbol:
- AQCH
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 120 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Part Shade,Shade
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Hummingbirds:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented hummingbird visits (GBIF)
Keystone Species Ranking
- Caterpillar Keystone:
- ★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bees, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers soils with good organic content
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 21–30 days
- Germination Time:
- 21–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; do not cover. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).; then Cold-moist stratification for 60 days.
Notes: Seeds benefit from cold stratification for best germination rates.
Source: Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C. Germinates within 3 months. Requires darkness. | GA3 improves germination.