Native Plant Database

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Delphinium glaucum (Sierra larkspur)
Weyand, Phyllis

Delphinium glaucum S. Wats.

Sierra larkspur, Tower larkspur

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

USDA Symbol: DEGL3

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Rising from a woody rootstock, the stout, leafy stems of this perennial reach 3-6 ft. in height. Leaves are palmately divided and toothed becoming gradually smaller up the stem. Both the leaves and the stems have a grayish, waxy covering. Densely flowered racemes are up to 16 in. long and are made up of spurred, blue-purple flowers.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Leaf Color: Green

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , MT , NV , OR , UT , WA , WY
Canada: AB
Native Distribution: Mts. from AK to Madera Co., CA, e. to the Rockies
Native Habitat: Wet, subalpine to alpine meadows & stream banks
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet , Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Wet or moist soils.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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
Attracts: Birds , Hummingbirds

Propagation

Description: Sow fresh seeds in fall for outdoor stratification.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
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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 glaucum in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Delphinium glaucum in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Delphinium glaucum

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-01-01
Research By: TWC Staff

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