Native Plants
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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.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Herb
Fruit Type: Follicle
Size Notes: Up to about 2 feet tall.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue , PurpleBloom Time: May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: ID , MT , ND , SD , WYCanada: 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: SunSoil 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 PlantsFNA: Find Delphinium bicolor in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Delphinium bicolor
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-02-06Research By: TWC Staff