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Native Plant Database

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Delphinium exaltatum Ait.

Tall larkspur

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

USDA Symbol: DEEX

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

A large, coarse plant with a 2-6 ft. leafy stem; deep-green, lobed leaves; and blue, spurred flowers in a loose, narrow, terminal spike.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AL , KY , MD , ME , MO , NC , OH , PA , TN , VA , WV
Native Distribution: PA to NC, w. to OH & AL
Native Habitat: Woods; slopes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Rich, calcareous soils.
Conditions Comments: Gives midsummer color and requires no special care.

Propagation

Description: Propagation by seeds and division.
Seed Collection: Seeds are formed dry in a pod, which call for close observation in order to collect seeds before they are thrown out.
Seed Treatment: Not Available
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 Suppliers Directory

According to the inventory provided by Associate Suppliers, this plant is available at the following locations:

Enchanter's Garden - Hinton, WV
American Native Nursery - Quakertown, PA
Prairie Nursery - Westfield, WI

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:

Delaware Nature Society - Hockessin, DE
Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
* Available Online from Wildflower Center Store

Bibliography

* The Midwestern Native Garden: Native Alternatives to Nonnative Flowers and Plants An Illustrated Guide (2011) Adelman, Charlotte and Schwartz, Bernard L.

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Delphinium exaltatum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Delphinium exaltatum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Delphinium exaltatum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2012-12-07
Research By: TWC Staff

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