Aquilegia chaplinei, commonly known as Chaplin’s Golden Columbine, is a deciduous perennial herb native to limestone outcrops and canyons in the Edwards Plateau and Trans-Pecos region of Texas, often found in areas with calcareous soils. This species typically grows to a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). It has an upright habit with blue-green foliage and produces distinctive, nodding yellow flowers with long, backward-pointing spurs during the late spring and early summer months. The flowers are quite showy and attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds.

Chaplin’s Golden Columbine is valued for its unique flower form and color, which can add a bright splash to shaded garden areas. It is often used in woodland gardens, borders, and naturalized areas. While it prefers part shade, it can tolerate morning sun with adequate moisture. It requires well-drained soils and does not tolerate wet feet, especially in winter. Regular watering is necessary, particularly in drier conditions. Although it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf miners and powdery mildew. It is also worth noting that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.CC BY-SA 4.0