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tall mountain larkspur
Scientific Name: Delphinium scaposum
Family: Ranunculaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Delphinium Species: A Closer Look
This page explores several Delphinium species, particularly focusing on those known as "tall larkspurs". These plants are found in various regions and have distinct characteristics. It's important to note that the information provided is for informational purposes only and further research may be needed to determine specific safety considerations.
Considerations for Pets and Children
- Some Delphinium species are associated with livestock losses.
- It is often present in home gardens.
- Tall larkspur species are often found on mountain rangelands.
Scientific Name and Common Names
- Scientific Name: The text mentions several Delphinium species, including:
- Delphinium glaucum
- Delphinium scaposum
- Delphinium sinoscaposum
- Delphinium occidentale
- Delphinium barbeyi
- Delphinium glaucescens
- Delphinium spp.
- Common Names:
- Sierra Larkspur
- Mountain Larkspur
- Glaucous Larkspur
- Tall Mountain Larkspur
- Barestem Larkspur
- Hedgenettle Larkspur
- Tall Larkspur
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
Distribution and Habitat
- Tall Mountain Larkspur is found in the High Sierra, western foothills, and mountain rangelands of the U.S., including Utah, Colorado, and Montana.
- Delphinium occidentale is found in Yellowstone National Park.
- Delphinium scaposum grows in southern regions.
Ecological Role
- The presence of tall larkspur on mountain rangelands contributes to forage losses as cattle grazing is deferred.
- Wild larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) are a major cause of cattle losses in the western foothills and mountain rangelands of the U.S.
Morphological Characteristics
- Tall Mountain Larkspur has several stems, 70-200 cm tall, hollow, simple, mostly with some bluish cast, usually hairless below and crisp-short-hairy to glandular-hairy in the flower cluster.
- It is a large, stout larkspur with several to many hollow stems rising from 100-200 cm high.
- The flowers are loosely clustered on tall, slender, leafless flower stalks. The individual flowers are 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Tall larkspur is associated with cattle deaths on mountain rangelands, particularly Delphinium barbeyi in western Colorado.
Quirky Facts
- Tall Mountain Larkspur has been used by the Hopi people as a ceremonial emetic.
- Some sources associate Tall Mountain Larkspur with qualities such as "leadership based upon spiritual alignment."
Further Information
- Dave's Garden
- Discover Life
- niiss.org (for species profile, habitat, control information)