SafePlants

No images found for this plant ID: 14252.

Ensure images are uploaded to the Media Library and tagged with "14252" 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

zigzag larkspur

Scientific Name: Delphinium patens ssp. montanum

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Zigzag Larkspur (Delphinium patens)

Delphinium patens, commonly known as zigzag larkspur or spreading larkspur, is a wildflower species primarily found in California. It belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is known for its spurred flowers and potential toxicity to livestock.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is noted as being very toxic and kills livestock.

Scientific Classification

  • Scientific Name: Delphinium patens Benth.
  • Common Names: Zigzag larkspur, Spreading larkspur, Slender Larkspur
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • The plant has subspecies, including:
    • Delphinium patens subsp. hepaticoideum Ewan
    • Delphinium patens subsp. montanum
    • Delphinium patens subsp. patens
  • Synonym: Delphinium gracilentum

Distribution and Habitat

  • Primarily found in California.
  • Observed at locations such as Jasper Ridge and Henry W. Coe State Park.
  • Grows in riparian woodlands.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
  • Features purple to dark purple spurred flowers on thin, wiry stems.
  • Can reach up to 1 meter in height.