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red larkspur

Scientific Name: Delphinium nudicaule

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Delphinium nudicaule: Canyon Larkspur

Delphinium nudicaule, commonly known as canyon larkspur, red larkspur, orange larkspur, or canyon delphinium, is a captivating flowering perennial herb.

Considerations for Pets

  • All parts of the plant are known to be toxic.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Delphinium nudicaule
  • Common Names: Canyon larkspur, red larkspur, orange larkspur, canyon delphinium
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
  • Synonyms: Delphinium nudicaule Torr. & A. Gray (This may be considered a synonym or a reference to the authors who first described the species.)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the western coast of the U.S.
  • Occurs locally in mixed evergreen forests.
  • Often found on mossy banks.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial herb.
  • The plant produces spikes of red, pink, violet, and other colors.
  • Grows to 2' tall with flowers in a 4' red spike.
  • Individual flowers are relatively small (1"-1 1/4").

Ecological Role

  • Native to the Pacific coast

Quirky Facts

  • This plant has the "ability to radiate energy through the body as a positive form of leadership magnetic forces that catalyze and inspire."
  • The brilliant red of canyon larkspur appears to glow in the shade of rocky hillsides.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The red flowers are worked by hummingbirds.

Traditional Use

  • Some sources indicate that it was used as a hallucinogenic plant by Native Americans.

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden (a community for sharing gardening tips and ideas).
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).