SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 14116.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "14116" in the "plant_image_tag" taxonomy.

Safe for Children?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Dogs?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Cats?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

Safe for Reptiles?

✅ Safe: 0
❓ Neutral: 0
❌ Unsafe: 0

foothill larkspur

Scientific Name: Delphinium hesperium ssp. cuyamacae

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: CA (Cuyamaca larkspur)

       

Delphinium hesperium: Foothill Larkspur

Delphinium hesperium, commonly known as foothill larkspur, is a species of larkspur with regional names including western larkspur and coastal larkspur. It's part of the diverse world of plants and gardens.

Considerations for Pets

  • Mentioned as poisonous to cattle.

Considerations for Children

  • Listed as a Mendocino Indian Drug (Poison) plant, suggesting traditional knowledge of potential toxicity.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Delphinium hesperium A. Gray
  • Common Names: Foothill larkspur, Western larkspur, Coastal larkspur
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
  • Synonym: DEHE (USDA Symbol)
  • Subspecies:
    • Delphinium hesperium subsp. hesperium A. Gray
    • Delphinium hesperium subsp. pallescens
    • Delphinium hesperium ssp. cuyamacae

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to California.
  • Found on foothill and mountain rangelands.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Sutter County, California
    • Codfish Falls Trail, Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve near Winters
    • Ruby Mountains, Nevada (Meadow Larkspur)

Morphological Characteristics

  • Described as a blue or occasionally white larkspur.
  • A perennial forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Low larkspurs grow on foothill and mountain ranges in spring and summer. They have fine structure.

Ecological Role

  • Poisonous to cattle, which can lead to conflicts in rangeland management.
  • The toxicity of larkspur varies depending on the species, stage of development, and environmental conditions.

Traditional Uses

  • Historically used by Mendocino Indians as a poison (Mendocino Indian Drug).

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Known to be browsed by cattle.
  • Mentioned in the context of grazing trials and calf consumption rates.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden (friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants)
  • USDA Plants Database
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
  • Discover Life