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coastal larkspur
Scientific Name: Delphinium decorum ssp. decorum
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Delphinium hesperium: Foothill Larkspur
Delphinium hesperium, commonly known as foothill larkspur, is a perennial herb also referred to as western larkspur and coastal larkspur. This plant belongs to the Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae).
Considerations for Pets
- Larkspur, in general, should be researched before planting in areas accessible to animals.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Delphinium hesperium
- Common Names: Foothill larkspur, western larkspur, coastal larkspur
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
- Synonyms: Delphinium decorum Fisch. & C.A. Mey., Delphinium menziesii subsp. menziesii, Delphinium californicum ssp. interius, and Delphinium decorum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. ssp. tracyi Ewan
- USDA Symbol: DEDE
Distribution and Habitat
- Delphinium hesperium (and its synonyms, where the text is discussing them) is endemic to California.
- It is often found in coastal bluffs, spring-wet grasslands, meadows, and lower mountain slopes.
- Specific locations mentioned include Monterey County, especially along the Pine Ridge Trail in Big Sur, and Marin County.
- The text notes that D. hesperium can be confused with D. nuttallianum, which is more widespread east of the area in question.
Morphological Characteristics
- The plant has an erect, hairy stem that can reach a height of 1/2 meter.
Further Information
- Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Delphinium decorum.
- The Marin Flora mentions hybridization between this species and a blue-flowered coastal larkspur.