Dana, Michael
Delphinium carolinianum ssp. virescens (Nutt.) Brooks
Carolina larkspur, Prairie larkspur, Plains larkspur
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Prairie larkspur is a slender, erect
perennial, unbranched or branched near the ground to form a clump 1-3 ft. tall. A terminal
spike of white, spurred flowers, tinged purple, is borne well above the mostly basal, deeply cleft leaves.
Mature plants may disappear in hot weather, reappearing when the weather has become cooler.
Image Gallery:
31 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Blue
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AR , CO , IA , KS , MN , MO , NE , ND , OK , SD , TX , WI
Native Distribution: Alt. to WI, s. to AZ & AL
Native Habitat: Prairies; dry, open woodlands
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Various mesic to dry, limey soils.
Conditions Comments: Mature plants may disappear in hot weather, reappearing when the weather has become cooler.
Benefit
Use Medicinal: Seeds ground and soaked in alcohol to kill
head lice.
Warning: Plants of the
genus Delphinium contain toxins, and no parts of them should ever be eaten. They can be fatally poisonous to both humans and animals. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
2010-11-27
