SafePlants

Wenatchee Larkspur (Delphinium viridescens)

The Wenatchee Larkspur, scientifically known as Delphinium viridescens, is a rare flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that it is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass), implying it is a plant with non-woody structure.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Delphinium viridescens Leiberg
• Common Name: Wenatchee Larkspur
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
• Taxonomic Rank: Species
• Synonyms: None explicitly mentioned.

Distribution and Habitat

• The Wenatchee Larkspur is endemic to central Washington, specifically the Wenatchee Mountains region.
• It is found in vernally moist meadows near US Highway 97 in the Wenatchee Mountains.
• It thrives in mosaic open meadows.

Conservation Status

• State Threatened
• USFWS Species of Concern
• Rank: G2S2 (This likely refers to a conservation ranking, but the specifics are not provided in the text)

Morphological Characteristics

• It is a forb/herb (a non-woody plant that is not a grass).
• It grows to 200-300cm tall.
• It produces greenish, hairy flowers on tall racemes, which is an unusual flower color for larkspurs.
• It prefers rich, well-drained soil in a sunny location.

Ecological Role

• The Wenatchee Larkspur requires open, seasonally wet habitats.

Associations

• Often found in association with the Wenatchee Mountains checkermallow (Sidalcea oregana var. calva) and showy stickseed.

Further Information

• Discover Life's page provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Delphinium viridescens.
• Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
• Wenatchee Forestry Sciences Lab.