SafePlants

Upland Larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum)

Upland Larkspur, scientifically known as Delphinium nuttallianum, is an attractive perennial wildflower, also referred to as "Common Larkspur".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Delphinium nuttallianum
• Common Names: Upland Larkspur, Common Larkspur
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
• Subspecies:
  • Delphinium nuttallii A. Gray subsp. nuttallii
  • Delphinium nuttallii A. Gray ssp.
  • Delphinium nuttallii ssp. ochroleucum (Pale Larkspur - white-flowered variant)
• Synonym: Delphinium nuttallii A. Gray
• Alternative Spelling: Delphinium Nuttallianum

Distribution and Habitat

• Upland Larkspur is commonly found in much of the western U.S. and Canada.
• It typically grows in open dry forests and shrublands.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Eastern Washington
  • Southern Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
  • Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
  • Little City of Rocks north of Gooding, ID
  • Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park near Vernon, British Columbia
  • Columbia River Gorge, Washington State

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a thin, sparse perennial plant.
• It typically has one erect, unbranched stem, but occasionally it can be branched.
• The stem height ranges from 12-40 cm (approximately 4-20 inches). Some sources specify 18-24 inches.
• The stem is slender and breaks easily from the root at ground level.
• Leaves are mostly basal (located at the base of the plant).
• The striking blue to violet flowers are borne at the end of a short stem, usually 6-16 inches tall.
• The flower has five widespread petals.
• A white-flowered variant exists called Pale Larkspur (Delphinium nuttallii ssp. ochroleucum).