Desolation Columbine: A Rare Utah Native Worth Knowing
If you’re a native plant enthusiast with a passion for rare finds, you may have stumbled across the name Aquilegia desolatica, commonly known as desolation columbine. This intriguing native perennial represents one of nature’s more elusive treasures, found exclusively in Utah’s unique landscapes.
What Makes Desolation Columbine Special?
Desolation columbine belongs to the beloved columbine family, known for their distinctive spurred flowers that dance in the breeze like tiny ballerinas. As a native forb (that’s plant-speak for a non-woody flowering plant), this perennial lacks the thick, woody stems of shrubs and trees, instead producing delicate herbaceous growth that emerges fresh each growing season.
What sets this columbine apart is its extremely limited range and the mystery that surrounds it. Unlike its more common cousins that grace gardens across the country, desolation columbine keeps a low profile in the botanical world.
Where Does It Call Home?
True to its exclusive nature, desolation columbine is native only to Utah, making it a true regional specialty. This limited geographic distribution adds to both its appeal for native plant collectors and the challenges facing gardeners who want to grow it.
The Challenge of Growing Desolation Columbine
Here’s where things get a bit tricky for eager gardeners. Information about this particular columbine is remarkably scarce, which likely indicates either extreme rarity or possible taxonomic uncertainty. This scarcity presents both opportunities and responsibilities for native plant enthusiasts.
What We Know About Growing Conditions
While specific growing requirements for desolation columbine remain largely undocumented, we can make some educated guesses based on its Utah origins and its relatives in the Aquilegia family. Most columbines prefer:
- Well-draining soil that doesn’t stay soggy
- Partial shade to full sun conditions
- Cool, moist conditions during the growing season
- Protection from intense afternoon heat in warmer climates
A Word of Caution and Responsibility
If you’re considering adding desolation columbine to your garden, proceed with extra care and responsibility. The limited information available suggests this may be a rare species that requires conservation-minded approaches:
- Only source plants or seeds from reputable native plant societies or botanical gardens
- Never collect from wild populations
- Consider participating in seed preservation efforts if you successfully grow it
- Document your growing experiences to contribute to our understanding of this species
Alternative Native Columbines
If you’re drawn to native columbines but can’t locate desolation columbine, consider these more readily available native alternatives that might thrive in your garden:
- Wild columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) – perfect for eastern gardens
- Colorado columbine (Aquilegia caerulea) – stunning blue and white flowers
- Golden columbine (Aquilegia chrysantha) – bright yellow blooms for southwestern gardens
The Bottom Line
Desolation columbine represents one of those fascinating botanical mysteries that reminds us how much we still don’t know about our native flora. While it may not be the easiest plant to find or grow, its rarity makes it all the more precious for those lucky enough to encounter it.
If you do manage to grow this elusive beauty, consider yourself part of a select group of gardeners helping to preserve and understand one of Utah’s unique native treasures. Just remember: with great botanical rarity comes great gardening responsibility!
