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Delphinium parishii (Desert larkspur)
Flaigg, Norman G.

Delphinium parishii

Delphinium parishii A. Gray

Desert Larkspur, Ocean-blue Larkspur, Paleface Delphinium

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: DEPA

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

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.

 

From the Image Gallery

3 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Herb
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 3 feet tall, often shorter.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White , Pink , Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Feb , Mar , Apr , May , Jun

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , NV , UT
Native Distribution: AZ, s. CA & adjacent NV
Native Habitat: Dry, rocky knolls; desert mesas & washes

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 Treatment: Two weeks stratification is sufficient.
Commercially Avail: yes

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 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: 2023-02-06
Research By: TWC Staff

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