Native to the canyons of the Southwest, this is one of the most widely adapted of all columbines. A vigorous grower, it combines excellent heat tolerance and mildew resistance with a long display of fragrant yellow flowers in late spring. Flowers are a cheery, bright yellow and bloom in late spring, though they will rebloom if deadheaded. Foliage is blue-green and deeply lobed. With flowers, plants stand at about 30 to 36 inches tall and 18 inches wide.
Grow in well drained, loamy soil in full sun to full shade, though will need more water in full sun situations. Deadheading will usually prolong the bloom season, and as they make lovely cut flowers, snip them off and tuck them in a vase while they are still fresh. Generally, columbine go dormant during the hottest part of the summer; they are also usually a short-lived perennial but are generous reseeders if planted where they are content. Hardy to USDA Zone 3. During blooming, they appreciate regular watering, but as they go dormant, reduce the frequency of irrigation.