Barneby’s Columbine

Aquilegia barnebyi (Oil Shale Columbine) is a long-lived perennial wildflower native to the Green River drainage basin of northeastern Utah and western Colorado. Often found thriving on cliffs at elevations between 4,800 and 8,500 feet, this hardy perennial makes a great addition to both dry shade and full sun plantings. Perfect for adding color to shady spots, it fits well in both formal and naturalized designs and can be planted almost anywhere.

A. barnebyi prefers well-drained loams and clays but can adapt to a wide range of soil types. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. This plant thrives in a range of conditions, from moist to moderately dry. It won’t survive in non-irrigated areas with less than 15 to 20 inches of annual precipitation, but it does well in dry locations with occasional supplemental watering during hot summer months.