Santa Fe Botanical Garden

Common name: golden columbine, aquileña, pajarilla, pajaritos, palomas

Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)

Distribution: Southwestern United States, Northern Mexico

Habitat: Canyons

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3 (-40 to -30 °F)

Life form: Herbaceous perennial

Occurrence in New Mexico: New Mexico native plant

Growing Conditions: This columbine is native to moist canyon seeps in the Chihuahuan and Sonoran deserts, at elevations from 3,000-11,500 feet. Although it is heat tolerant, it grows best in shade or partial shade. Full sun stresses the plant and causes faded leaves. It is relatively adaptable to any standard garden soil, including sandy, rocky, loam, calcareous or igneous soils. It needs good drainage, but will adapt to clays if enough sand and/or organic matter is added. Poor drainage causes crown rot. Golden columbines have a moderate need for water and may go dormant during drought. The plant is susceptible to spider mites and aphids in very hot, arid conditions. This species will hybridize with other species of columbine, and must be kept widely separated to prevent this. Columbines are relatively short-lived, but readily self-sow.

Description: Golden columbine has several stems and basal leaves that form a bushy plant up to 3 feet tall and 18 inches wide. Leaves are divided into 2 or 3 parts, with leaflets up to 1½ inch long. Distinctive flowers with long yellow spurs, held erect on long stalks, attract hummingbirds.