Aquilegia flavescens aka Yellow Columbine

Taxonomy ID: 15275

Aquilegia flavescens, commonly known as the yellow columbine, is a wildflower native to the Rocky Mountains region, specifically found in mountain meadows, open woods, and alpine slopes. This upright, clump-forming, deciduous perennial grows to a height of 20-70 cm and displays beautiful yellow flowers that can also feature hints of yellow-pink, raspberry pink, white, and cream. In cultivation, as a houseplant, the yellow columbine requires regular watering and thrives best in direct, long-lasting light, ideally positioned within a foot of a window. It prefers well-draining soil and does not usually require additional fertilizers if repotted whenever it doubles in size. Belonging to the Aquilegia genus, this rare plant is native to Western North America.

Common names

Yellow Columbine

More information about Yellow Columbine

What is the growth pattern and size of Yellow Columbine?

New growth will sprout from the top of the Yellow Columbine as it grows vertically.

What is the region of origin of Yellow Columbine

Yellow Columbine’s native range is Western N. America - British Columbia to Colorado.

What are the water needs for Yellow Columbine

Yellow Columbine should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Yellow Columbine

Yellow Columbine loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Yellow Columbine

Yellow Columbine requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Yellow Columbine is always in the right place to thrive.

How to fertilize Yellow Columbine

Once the Yellow Columbine has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.

Is Yellow Columbine toxic to humans/pets?

No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

Ploi app icon Ploi app icon

About Ploi

Ploi (4.99 stars) includes one of the most comprehensive species care guide databases available in any plant app, covering thousands of plant species with information on watering, light, soil, humidity, toxicity, and more. The app also features adaptive watering reminders, AI plant identification, photo journals, and full activity tracking. Available on iOS, Android and web.