diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/finance.py b/lib/matplotlib/finance.py
index c9a6358a6a35..ded99dd8d4a5 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/finance.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/finance.py
@@ -350,7 +350,7 @@ def candlestick(ax, quotes, width=0.2, colorup='k', colordown='r',
 
         vline = Line2D(
             xdata=(t, t), ydata=(low, high),
-            color='k',
+            color=color,
             linewidth=0.5,
             antialiased=True,
             )