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Plant Database

Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.

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Delphinium bicolor (Little larkspur)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Delphinium bicolor

Delphinium bicolor Nutt.

Little Larkspur, Flat-head Larkspur

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: debi

USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

The 4-24 in. stems of this perennial usually rise singly from an extensive root system. The few leaves are mostly basal and are divided into narrow segments. The flower spike is made up of a loose cluster of up to 15 blossoms. The lower petals of each flower are deep blue, while the upper petals are light blue with purple markings.

 

From the Image Gallery

5 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.

Bloom Information

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

Distribution

USA: ID , MT , ND , SD , WY
Canada: AB
Native Distribution: Sask. & w. ND to n.e. WA, s. to w. SD & n.w. WY
Native Habitat: Grasslands; rocky slopes; open, ponderosa pine forests

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Gravelly or rocky soils.

Benefit

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: Butterflies

Web Reference

Webref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter

Additional resources

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 2023-02-06
Research By: TWC Staff

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