SafePlants

Spiked Larkspur (Delphinium stachydeum)

Delphinium stachydeum, commonly known as spiked larkspur, is a perennial herb belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is appreciated for its tall spikes of blue-violet flowers and is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions that Larkspur has spikes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Delphinium stachydeum
• Common Name: Spiked Larkspur
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Other Delphinium species mentioned include: Delphinium burkei, Delphinium strictum var. distichiflorum, Consolida ambigua, Consolida orientalis, Delphinium alabamicum, Delphinium alpestre, Delphinium altissimum, Delphinium andesicola, Delphinium staphisagria, Delphinium scopulorum, Delphinium polycladon.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Modoc National Forest, specifically the Warner Mountain Ranger District and the South Warner Wilderness in the Warner Mountains.
• Also found in North America.

Morphological Characteristics

• Perennial herb.
• Stems are slightly pubescent and often have a silky appearance.
• Stems terminate into spike-like racemes of blue-violet flowers.
• Racemes can grow up to 6 feet tall or even 8 feet in some varieties. More common varieties grow to 2 feet tall.
• Flowers bloom loosely in a vertical group along the top of the stalk.
• Flowers consist of both petals.

Quirky Facts

• The name Delphinium is said to be derived from the Greek word for dolphin, possibly because the flower spikes were thought to resemble the creature.

Ecological Role

• Grows with Populus tremuloides, artemisia tridentata, wyethia mollis, agastache urticifolia.

Additional Information

• Discover Life has a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Delphinium stachydeum.