SafePlants

Subalpine Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi)

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has a stout, woody rootstock.
• The plant produces leafy stems.

Considerations for Children

• This plant has a stout, woody rootstock.
• The plant produces leafy stems.

Common Names

• Subalpine Larkspur
• Tall Larkspur
• Barbey's Larkspur

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Delphinium barbeyi
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
• Synonyms:
  • Delphinium barbeyi (Huth) Huth

Distribution and Habitat

• Found in the western and southwestern USA.
• Specifically mentioned locations include: Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Gothic (Colorado), Cottonwood Pass (Colorado), Yankee Boy Basin (San Juan Mountains), Butler Gulch (Arapahoe National Forest), and subalpine regions of the San Juan Mountains (approx. 9,500-11,500 feet).
• Grows in wet meadows and forested areas of the montane and subalpine zones.
• Prefers subalpine and alpine sites in wet soils at elevations of 2500-4100 meters.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial plant that can live up to 75 years.
• Grows from a stout, woody rootstock, sending up several leafy stems that reach 2-5 feet in height.
• Can form large clumps several feet wide and high.
• Deep blue/purple flowers grow on the upper portion of the tall, unbranched stems.
• Flowers are borne at the end of a short stalk (pedicel) about 2 inches long.
• Flower heads are composed of five sepals, one projecting backwards to form a spur.
• Features a compact, terminal flower spike made up of showy, scented flowers.
• Produces lobed, maple-like leaves.
• A white variety exists, although it is less common.

Ecology and Interactions

• Hybrids extensively with D. glaucum in western regions.
• Bumblebees visit this species.

Further Information

• Referenced in Kearney & Peebles "Arizona Flora" p. 307.
• USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
• Discover Life's page