How much sun does Barneby's columbine need?

Barneby's columbine grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Barneby's columbine bloom?

Barneby's columbine blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Barneby's columbine native?

Barneby's columbine (Aquilegia barnebyi) is native to CO, UT, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What butterflies or moths does Barneby's columbine host?

Barneby's columbine is a larval host plant for Columbine Duskywing.

Barneby's columbine

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Aquilegia barnebyi

Last reviewed: November 2026

Barneby's columbine (Aquilegia barnebyi) is a perennial forb native to CO, UT. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw hummingbirds and hawk moths.

Watering reminders and freeze alerts for Barneby's columbine, free in the app.

Toxicity unknown

Barneby's columbine (Aquilegia barnebyi) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

low

Size

8"–16" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, UT

Pollinators

hummingbirds, hawk moths

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

North American Deserts Southern Rockies

Barneby's columbine is a low perennial forb with delicate, blue-green divided leaves and distinctive yellow flowers with red-orange spurs. It grows on rocky shale slopes and outcrops.

Growing Barneby's columbine

Grow Barneby's columbine in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 16 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Host plant for Columbine Duskywing.

The long-spurred flowers are pollinated by hummingbirds and hawk moths reaching for nectar deep in the spurs, and the genus is a documented host for the Columbine Duskywing skipper.

Common questions

How much sun does Barneby's columbine need?: Barneby's columbine grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Barneby's columbine bloom?: Barneby's columbine blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Barneby's columbine native?: Barneby's columbine (Aquilegia barnebyi) is native to CO, UT, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What butterflies or moths does Barneby's columbine host?: Barneby's columbine is a larval host plant for Columbine Duskywing.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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Ready to grow Barneby's columbine? Add it to your garden in the Pollinator Patch App to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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