This columbine is relatively rare in the wild. It is confined to shady, damp canyons, especially near streams. It is distributed in southern Arizona, the Chisos and Davis Mountains of Texas and areas of neighboring Mexico, growing at elevations of 1370-1520 m. Plants reach 25-90 cm with typical columbine foliage. The flowers are yellow with super-long spurs reaching 7-15 cm in length. It is considered a short-lived perennial.
In the wild, July to September. In cultivation, as early as April in the south to as late as July in the north.
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In northern areas with cooler summers, this columbine may be grown in full sun. In warmer regions, shade is required. The soil should be moist but well-drained. It will not tolerate drought. Winter wet should also be avoided. It is not fussy about the soil pH. As plants are apt to be short-lived, seeds should be collected and grown to maintain the plant. Typical of columbines, they hybridize readily, so to keep the plant pure, grow them away from other columbines.
Seeds of this columbine do not require any stratification. Direct sown at 20 C where germination should commence with a couple of weeks.