Columbine
aquilegia pubescens
Also known as: ["Rock Columbine","Golden Columbine"]
Overview
A perennial herbaceous plant native to the western United States, known for its distinctive spurred flowers and fuzzy leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Aquilegia |
| Botanical Name: | Aquilegia pubescens |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: rock gardens, woodland edges, or containers in partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; occasional deadheading throughout the season.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning; primarily deadheading and removing old flower stalks.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of morning sun); protect from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sun, shield from intense midday rays, and place in dappled light during peak summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; provide shade in afternoon; rotate plant for even growth
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water at the base to avoid foliage, ensure soil dries slightly between waterings, and avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogging
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (50–70°F or 10–21°C); prefers cooler nights and tolerates frost.
Keep cool in summer; protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly; apply in early morning; stop in dormancy
Propagation
Methods
Seed propagation is most common; division of clumps can also be done in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Sow seeds surface.
- Keep moist.
- Thin seedlings.
- Or divide clumps carefully.
Best Time: Early spring for seeds or division; late summer for cuttings (less common).
Environment
Cool temperatures (60–65°F or 15–18°C), high humidity, and partial shade.
Medium
Well-draining seed starting mix or sandy loam for division.
Hormone
Not typically required for seeds; rooting hormone may help for cuttings.
Timeline
Seeds: 2–3 weeks to germinate, 1–2 years to flowering; division: immediate establishment.
Tools Needed
Seed trays, pruners, trowel, rooting hormone (optional).
Quick Tips
Sow seeds in fall for spring germination; divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip spent flowers just above a leaf node or lateral bud.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming and maintain plant shape.
Tools
Hand pruners or sharp scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers, cut cleanly, sanitize tools, avoid over-pruning
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
For containers, use a pot one size larger with drainage holes.
Method
Gently lift the plant, divide roots with a clean knife, and replant in fresh soil with good drainage.
Suggestions
Not typically required unless grown in containers; divide clumps every 3–4 years in the ground.
Checklist
Prepare new pot, divide carefully, replant at same depth, water lightly
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, allow drainage, avoid foliage wetting
How to Apply Water Properly
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, focusing on the root zone, and avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or aged manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, leaf scorch, stunted growth, or premature flowering in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, but is generally tolerant of frost.
Solution: Provide mulch for root insulation; avoid overwatering in cold; protect from extreme wind.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, flower buds drop, or growth becomes leggy in excessive heat.
Solution: Increase watering, provide afternoon shade, and improve air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer, apply during growth, avoid winter feeding
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of Aquilegia pubescens. The alkaloids in the plant can cause irritation and discomfort, though severe toxicity is uncommon.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Aquilegia pubescens can lead to mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of alkaloids. While rarely life-threatening, symptoms can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicAquilegia pubescens contains toxic compounds, primarily isoquinoline alkaloids, which can cause gastrointestinal distress and neurological symptoms upon ingestion. The plant's effects are generally mild but can be more pronounced in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Aquilegia pubescens toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is mildly toxic to dogs and cats if ingested.
Q: Does this plant attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How much sunlight does Aquilegia pubescens need?
A: It prefers partial shade and can tolerate some shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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