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zigzag larkspur

Scientific Name: Delphinium patens

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Delphinium patens: Zigzag Larkspur

Delphinium patens, commonly known as zigzag larkspur or spreading larkspur, is a beautiful wildflower native to California. This species belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is known for its vibrant blue or purple spurred flowers and thin, wiry stems.

Considerations for Pets

  • Larkspurs, including Delphinium patens, are noted as being very toxic, especially to livestock.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Delphinium patens
  • Common Names: Zigzag larkspur, spreading larkspur, slender larkspur
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
  • Genus: Delphinium

Subspecies

  • Delphinium patens subsp. patens
  • Delphinium patens subsp. hepaticoideum (also referred to as Delphinium patens hepaticoideum)
  • Delphinium patens subsp. montanum (also referred to as Delphinium patens montanum)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Delphinium patens is primarily found in California.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Yuba and Sutter counties.
  • It has been observed at Henry Coe State Park and Jasper Ridge.
  • It can be found in riparian woodland environments.

Morphology and Growth

  • Delphinium patens is a perennial forb/herb, meaning it's a non-woody plant that isn't a grass and lives for more than two years.
  • It features blue or purple spurred flowers on thin, wiry stems.
  • The plant can reach up to 1 meter in height.

Ecology

  • The plant is an early bloomer.

Quirky Facts

  • In the spring, during cultivation, the plant sometimes assumes a red-pink coloring.

Further Resources

  • Discover Life provides information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Delphinium patens.
  • Henry Coe State Park wildflower album (www.coepark.org/wildflowers/blue/blue.html) lists it as a blue flower.