General description: In canyons and foothills along streams or in rocky ravines (Spackman et al. 1997, Weber and Wittman 2012).  Aquilegia chrysantha var. rydbergii is an herbaceous perennial with a short rootstock. It has numerous slender stems that are 20 to 120 cm tall. Towards the base, the stems are thicker and essentially hairless. Soft hairs (pubescence) cover the upper parts of the stem. The basal leaves are mostly triternate, rather thin, hairless, and light bluish-green. The yellow flowers are relatively small, the sepals being 10 to 18 mm long, the petals 7 to 12 mm long, and the nectar spurs 3.5 to 4 cm long. The stamens are exserted from the flower, and the mature styles are about 1 cm long. The fruits are derived from a single carpel that, when dry, dehisces, or splits open to release its seed, along only one side. Such a dry fruit is termed a follicle. The seeds are 1.5 to 2 mm long (Ladyman 2005).

Look Alikes: Aquilegia chrysantha is the only all yellow columbine on the eastern slope of Colorado (Spackman et al. 1997, Weber and Wittmann 2012). The uniqeness of the variety rydbergii is disputed with many botanists considering the differences within the normal variation of the full species. The variety is distinguished by smaller flower size, blunter sepals, highly curved dried fruits, and smaller, bluish leaf segments (Ladyman 2005).

Phenology: Flowers in June (Colorado Natural Heritage Program 2012).

In canyons and foothills along streams or in rocky ravines (Spackman et al. 1997, Weber and Wittman 2012).  Aquilegia chrysantha var. rydbergii grows in organic soils and has also been observed in gravel derived from granite parent material. Often found near the base of boulders on the canyon sides and floor, it may also grow on seep-fed rocky ledges.  It grows in shady and moist areas on slopes above a creek, along the side drainages, and within the riparian area of a perennial stream.  Associatied taxa include Corylus cornuta (hazelnut), Populus angustifolia (narrowleaf cottonwood), Betula occidentalis (river birch), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Acer glabrum (Rocky Mountain maple), Populus tremuloides (aspen), Salix spp. (willow), Epilobium, Fragaria, Gallium, Geranium, Heracleum, Mertansia, and others (Ladyman 2005, Colorado Natural Heritage Program 2013). 

In canyons and foothills along streams or in rocky ravines (Weber and Wittman 2001).  

Aquilegia chrysantha var. rydbergii grows in organic soils and has also been observed in gravel derived from granite parent material. Often found near the base of boulders on the canyon sides and floor, it may also grow on seep-fed rocky ledges.  It grows in shady and moist areas on slopes above a creek, along the side drainages, and within the riparian area of a perennial stream.  Associatied taxa include Corylus cornuta (hazelnut), Populus angustifolia (narrowleaf cottonwood), Betula occidentalis (river birch), Prunus virginiana (chokecherry), Acer glabrum (Rocky Mountain maple), Populus tremuloides (aspen), Salix spp. (willow), Epilobium, Fragaria, Gallium, Geranium, Heracleum, Mertansia, and others (Ladyman 2005, Colorado Natural Heritage Program 2013).  
 

Elevation Range: 5,089 - 8,232 feet (1,551 - 2,509 meters)

Colorado endemic: Yes
Global range: Endemic to Colorado; known from Fremont, El Paso, Jefferson, and Las Animas counties. The Plants Database (USDA NRCS 2013) shows A. chrysantha var. rydbergii in Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Flora of North America (Vol. 3, 1997) states that Colorado populations have been called A. chrysantha var. rydbergii and does not mention New Mexico or Arizona. Reports from New Mexico and Arizona (USDA NRCS 2013) are probably erroneous, possibly originating because NM and AZ are listed in the range of var. rydbergii in the 1985 Notice of Review for Listing as Endangered or Threatened Species. These reports have not otherwise been substantiated.

Most vulnerable to habitat loss caused by activities associated with recreation (Ladyman 2005). Much of the habitat for this taxon has already been severely altered and degraded. Occupied habitat on the Pike-San Isabel National Forest is currently managed primarily for recreation; hiking, biking, and horse-riding trails go through the existing occurrences (Ladyman 2005). Habitat encroachment by invasive weeds and livestock grazing are other potential threats. Long-term population sustainability may be vulnerable to declines in pollinator populations. As urbanization encroaches upon natural habitat, introduction of horticultural varieties of A. chrysantha may also become a concern. These varieties could hybridize with the natural populations and thus cause genetic dilution (Ladyman 2005). This plant occurs on land managed by the USFS, Department of Defense, BLM, City of Colorado Springs, El Paso County, and private land. There are no plans that specifically address the management of this taxon.