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Aquilegia hinckleyana
Also called Hinckley's Golden Columbine
Aquilegia hinckleyana, or Hinckley's golden columbine, is a partially recognized species of flowering plant of the genus Aquilegia (columbines) in the family Ranunculaceae endemic to Capote Falls in northwestern Presidio County, Texas. The plant is found within a small region of the county and only grows in moister areas of its generally dry range. Considered a smaller version of Aquilegia chrysantha, A. hinckleyana has a height of around 60 centimetres (24 in) and possesses yellow flowers. It has seen modern cultivation, particularly in Texas. The species is named for L. C. Hinckley, who first collected the species in 1943.
In 1985, it was proposed that the species should be reevaluated as a variety of A. chrysantha. The name A. chrysantha var. hinckley has been adopted by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and some commercial distributors.
Despite its rarity in the wild, Aquilegia hinckleyana is a popular spring-blooming flower in Texas. Botanist Robert Nold noted its prevalence in nurseries, particularly in Texas, in 2003. The plant remains commercially available. Like other Aquilegia species, A. hinckleyana's ability to tolerate shade is valued in cultivation. It also shares its genus's inclination towards hybridization, meaning columbines sold as "yellow columbine" or "golden columbine" are often derived from multiple species.
The 'Texas Gold' cultivar has golden-yellow flowers that are appreciated for their long spurs. The plant favors well-drained soils that are high levels of organic matter. The cultivar can be grown in clay provided that it is in an elevated bed that prevents the roots from being in pooled water. When grown next to a deciduous tree, the plant is sufficiently shaded in the summer while exposed to enough sunlight during the winter. Propagation of 'Texas Gold' can be performed by division. The species is resistant to deer and rabbits while attracting bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Aquilegia hinckleyana is endemic to a small area around Capote Falls in the Sierra Vieja mountains of northwestern Presidio County, Texas, the site of its type locality. The falls is privately held as part of the Brite Ranch. Hinckley reported that the plant formed "a thick bed on the always moist bank under the overhanging cliff at the fall".
Aquilegia hinckleyana is poisonous towards humans and animals. In the region near the present-day Four Corners, the Paiute peoples historically used the plant's seeds and roots. Seeds were used to perfume and were kept on clothing in sachets to their clothing and chewed so that they could be applied on clothing and skin. The roots were processed to treat coughs and rheumatism.
Aquilegia alpina · Aquilegia amaliae · Fan Columbine · Aquilegia apuana · Aquilegia aradanica · Aquilegia aragonensis · Dark Columbine · Aquilegia atrovinosa · Atwood's Columbine · Aquilegia aurea · Aquilegia ballii · Aquilegia baluchistanica
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Aquilegia hinckleyana by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts are shared under the same licence.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
