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Delphinium parishii (Desert larkspur)
Flaigg, Norman G.

Delphinium parishii Gray

Desert larkspur, Ocean-blue larkspur, Paleface delphinium

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonyms: Delphinium parishii ssp. parishii, Delphinium amabile

USDA Symbol: DEPA

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

This perennial bears one to several 1-2 ft. stems from a woody root system. Leaves are palmately divided and mostly basal. The stems bear delicate light-blue to purple, spurred flowers in compact to open racemes.

The most xerophytic of North American larkspurs. The reduction in the vegetative parts enables the plant to withstand withering heat and prolonged drought.

 

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Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , NV , UT
Native Distribution: AZ, s. CA & adjacent NV
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky knolls; desert mesas & washes
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: The most xerophytic of North American larkspurs. The reduction in the vegetative parts enables the plant to withstand withering heat & prolonged drought. Needs protection from snails and slugs.

Propagation

Description: Sow seed.
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Two weeks stratification is sufficient.
Commercially Avail: yes

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.

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Additional resources

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

Metadata

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

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