Native Plants

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.

Enter a Plant Name:
Or you can choose a plant family:

Sturla, Gene

Delphinium scaposum

Delphinium scaposum Greene

Tall Mountain Larkspur, Bare-stem Larkspur

Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Synonym(s): Delphinium andersonii var. scaposum

USDA Symbol: DESC

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

The divided and lobed leaves of this perennial are all basal, subtending 8-24 in., leafless, unbranched flowering stems. Distinctive royal-blue and white, spurred flowers occur in an open raceme. The long spurs are often bronze-colored near the tip. The upper petals of the flower are usually white or blue-tinged; the lower petals are deep blue.

This flower is said to be avidly sought by bees and hummingbirds for its nectar.

From the Image Gallery

57 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
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AZ , CO , NM , UT
Native Distribution: S.w. CO to s. NV, AZ & NM
Native Habitat: Open deserts; gravelly mesas

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Dry, gravelly soils.

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Avidly sought by bees and hummingbirds for nectar.
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 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, different plant 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

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

Metadata

Record Modified: 0000-00-00
Research By: TWC Staff

Go back