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Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Delphinium cardinale Hook.
Scarlet larkspur
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
USDA Symbol: DECA2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Known for its showy flower clusters, scarlet larkspur is a 3-5 ft., branched or unbranched perennial with finely dissected basal and stem leaves. A loose spire of brilliant red, bilaterally symmetrical flowers atop a tall stem with palmately lobed leaves near base. Long-spurred flowers occur in open clusters up to 2 ft. in length. Their showy sepals are brilliant red while the pea-like flowers are yellow with scarlet tips.
The species name refers to the vibrant red of the flower, like the red of a cardinals robe. Masses on a slope have been likened to a hill on fire. The red flower attracts hummingbirds as the primary pollinators. Red Larkspur (D. nudicaule), also known as Orange Larkspur, is a smaller plant, rarely more than 4 ft (1.2 m) tall, with not quite as brilliant flowers; its sepals are noticeably forward-pointing, much like a half-opened bud of Scarlet Larkspur. This flower shape gave D. nudicaule another common name used long ago, Christmas Horns; it grows from central California to southern Oregon.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: RedBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: CANative Distribution: Monterey to San Diego Cos., CA
Native Habitat: Hot, dry openings in brush & woods below 5000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Propagation
Description: Sow seed.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary although 1/2-1 mont stratification or germination in darkness may improve results.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Recommended Species Lists
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View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Delphinium cardinale in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Delphinium cardinale in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Delphinium cardinale
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-06-11Research By: TWC Staff
