Golden Columbine
Aquilegia chrysantha
Golden Columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) is a Colorado-native perennial suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 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 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wiseLow ignitability: OK 0-30 ft from the house, CSU score 8/10
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 to 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 to 8.0
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Cool north foundations, Dry shade under conifers
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 24 to 36 in tall and 18 to 24 in wide
- Planting spacing
- ~17 to 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
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills, montane
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Low ignitability: OK 0-30 ft from the house, CSU score 8/10
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 to 36 in tall and 18 to 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 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 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 a good firewise plant near the house?
- Golden Columbine is rated 8 of 10 in CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.305 (2025), where higher means less ignitable, so it can go within 0 to 5 feet of the house as well as out to 30 feet when kept watered and tidy. This is general guidance based on CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.305 (2025), 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.
