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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Aquilegia longissima Gray
Longspur columbine, Longspur yellow columbine
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
USDA Symbol: AQLO
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A yellow-flowered Southwestern columbine 1-3 feet tall. Flowers somewhat pale yellow but with dramatically long spurs 10-15 cm long. Petal blades are 15-30 mm in length. Leaflets to 4 cm long, carried on 30 cm petioles. Native to moist canyons from southern Arizona and the Chisos and Davis Mountains of west Texas, south into mountains of adjacent northern Mexico.
This is one of the most striking of the popular Southwestern yellow columbines, owing to its very long flower spurs. Its flowers tend to be a paler yellow than those of Aquilegia chrysantha, but vary in intensity. Like other Southwestern yellow columbines, it requires adequate shade, sufficient moisture, and well-drained soil.
The genus name Aquilegia comes from the Latin aquila which means eagle and refers to the spurred petals that many believe resemble an eagles talons.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Leaf Retention: Semi-evergreen
Leaf Shape: Obovate
Leaf Venation: Palmate
Leaf Pubescence: Glabrous
Leaf Margin: Cleft
Leaf Texture: Smooth
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Leaf: Glaucous green
Flower: Flowers 6-11 mm long
Fruit: Follicles green to dark grey, seeds black Follicles 25 mm long, seeds to 2 mm
Size Class: 0-1 ft. , 1-3 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Bloom Notes: Color usually a paler yellow than in Aquilegia chrysantha
Distribution
USA: AZ , TXNative Distribution: From the Davis and Chisos Mountains in west Texas and mountains of southern Arizona south into mountains of adjacent northern Mexico
Native Habitat: Moist canyons near water sources
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained, limestone or igneous sands and loams, often rocky
Conditions Comments: Requires shade, consistent moisture, and good drainage. Will become stressed in unremitting full sun, causing the leaves to fade and curl.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Handsome foliage and dramatic blooms for Southwestern shade gardensUse Wildlife: Attracts moths and butterflies. Pollinated by long-tongued moths.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Propagation
Propagation Material: Clump Division , SeedsCommercially Avail: yes
Maintenance: Remove spent seedheads for a neater look. Insure adequate moisture. To prevent hybridization with other kinds of columbine, keep far away from other columbine species and varieties.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 293 - Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas (1979) Correll, D. S. & M. C. JohnstonBibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Aquilegia longissima in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Aquilegia longissima in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Aquilegia longissima
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-09-08Research By: TWC Staff, GDG
