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upland larkspur

Scientific Name: Delphinium nuttallii

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Upland Larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum)

Upland Larkspur, also sometimes referred to as Common Larkspur, is an attractive perennial wildflower often found in rock gardens. Its striking blue to violet flowers and slender form make it easily recognizable.

Considerations for Pets

  • The stem is described as slender and easily broken from the root at ground level. This might make the plant easily accessible for pets to ingest.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Delphinium nuttallianum Pritz. ex Walp.
  • Common Names: Upland Larkspur, Common Larkspur
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Synonyms/Related Taxa:
    • Delphinium nuttallii A. Gray subsp. nuttallii
    • Delphinium nelsonii Greene
    • Subspecies Delphinium nuttallii A. Gray ssp. nuttallii
    • Delphinium nuttallii A. Gray
  • The text also mentions Delphinium nuttallii ssp. ochroleucum as Pale Larkspur, a white-flowered variety.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Upland Larkspur is very common in much of the western U.S. and Canada.
  • It typically grows in open dry forests and shrublands.
  • Specific locations mentioned include:
    • Eastern Washington (shrub-steppe habitat)
    • Ancient Lakes Area
    • Southern Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
    • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
    • Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park near Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
    • Little City of Rocks north of Gooding
    • East of the Cascades, Washington (less common)
    • Curlew Lake, WA
    • Columbia River Gorge, Washington USA
    • Glacier National Park

Morphological Characteristics

  • Typically has one erect, unbranched stem from 12-40 cm high (approximately 4-16 inches, or up to 24 inches in some descriptions).
  • The stem is described as slender and very erect. It occasionally branches.
  • Leaves are mostly on the lowest part of the stem.
  • The plant is described as thin and sparse, with mostly basal leaves.
  • The striking blue flowers are borne at the end of a short stem and have five widespread petals.

Quirky Facts

  • If you are seeing larkspur in the Northwest during early spring, it's likely this variety (Delphinium nuttallianum).

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden is mentioned as a friendly community that shares tips and ideas for gardens.
  • AllPosters.com offers photographic prints of Delphinium nuttallianum.
  • Lee Rentz Photography