SafePlants

Delphinium burkei: Tall Meadow Larkspur

Delphinium burkei, commonly known as Tall Meadow Larkspur or Burke's Larkspur, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Delphinium burkei Greene
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
• Synonyms:
  • Delphinium burkei, Delphinium strictum var. distichiflorum
  • Delphinium distichum Geyer ex Hooker (accepted species name sensu FNA Ed. Comm., 1997)
  • Delphinium burkei subsp. distichiflorum (Hook.)
  • Delphinium azureum subsp. distichum (Geyer ex Hook.) Huth (synonym)
  • Delphinium diversicolor (redirected to Delphinium burkei)
  • Delphinium simplex var. distichiflorum Hook. (Basionym)
  • Delphinium burkei Greene ssp. distichiflorum ( Hook.)
  • Delphinium burkei Greene var. distichiflorum (Hook.) H. St. John

Distribution and Habitat

• Delphinium burkei is found in western America, ranging from British Columbia to Oregon.

Morphological Characteristics

• Tall erect stems with a spike of flowers.
• Sturdy, grey-puberulent perennial growing from fleshy roots, the stems 4-7 dm. tall.
• Basal leaves have long petioles and wither by bloom time, while stem leaves have short petioles.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The plant is mentioned as a butterfly and pollinator plant, specifically related to Papilio rutulu.

Further Information

• Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera
• Encyclopedia of Life
• The Plant List
• IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
• Australian Plant Name Index
• NYBG Virtual Herbarium (New York Botanical Garden)
• National Museum of Natural History Collection
• Discover Life
• Dave's Garden