Plant Profile: Aquilegia chrysantha

Golden Columbine is a perennial wildflower found in the western United States and Mexico. This spring-blooming plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and produces flowers that are excellent for arrangements. Each flower features petals with distinctive backward-pointing spurs. It adapts well to various soil types and is resilient against damage from deer and rabbits. Pruning the flower stalks can promote additional blooms. While it can reseed itself in the garden, be cautious, as it may hybridize with other Columbine species if planted too closely together.

However, crown rot may develop in soils that do not drain well. Additionally, this plant struggles in the hot, humid summers typical of the southeastern regions. For those conditions, consider opting for Aquilegia canadensis instead.