Delphinium antoninum
Anthony peak larkspur, Anthony Peak Larkspur
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS PPD
Delphinium antoninum (Anthony peak larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by fleshy leaves and moist talus habitat.
Anthony peak larkspur is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and northern Coast Ranges in moist talus slopes at elevations of 1,100 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces blue flowers with distinctive lateral sepals spreading to reflexed, creating an elegant arching form. Growing with slender stems 7 to 30 centimeters tall, it emerges from a root system more than 15 centimeters deep and features a delicate, somewhat fleshy structure. Its leaves are concentrated in the lower third of the stem, with intricate lobes ranging from 3 to 15 in number, creating a subtle, textured appearance. The plant produces curved fruits 14 to 22 millimeters long, with seeds that have a slightly bumpy texture and an inflated collar.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; distinguished by fleshy leaves and moist talus habitat
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist talus slopes
Elevation: 1100-2600 m
Bloom period
Delphinium antoninum blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS PPD
How to tell it apart
vs Lupinus: Delphinium has backward-pointing spurs on flowers; Lupinus has pea-family flowers with banner-wing-keel structure.; vs Geranium: Delphinium has spurred bilateral flowers; Geranium has radially symmetric 5-petaled flowers with no spur.; vs Epilobium: Delphinium has spurred flowers and palmately divided leaves; Epilobium has unspurred 4-petaled flowers and simple or opposite leaves.; vs Aquilegia: Delphinium has a single spur per flower; Aquilegia has 5 spurs radiating from the center.; vs Aconitum: Delphinium has an open spur with visible stamens; Aconitum has a closed hood hiding the stamens.
Frequently asked questions
Is Delphinium antoninum native to California?
Yes. Delphinium antoninum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium antoninum bloom?
Delphinium antoninum blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Delphinium antoninum belong to?
Delphinium antoninum is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium antoninum rare or endangered?
Delphinium antoninum carries California Rare Plant Rank PPD.
What habitat does Delphinium antoninum grow in?
Delphinium antoninum grows in Moist talus slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Delphinium bakeri — Baker's larkspur
- Delphinium californicum — California larkspur
- Delphinium californicum subsp. californicum — Coast or california larkspur
- Delphinium californicum subsp. interius — Hospital canyon larkspur
- Delphinium cardinale — Cardinal or scarlet larkspur
- Delphinium decorum — Coast larkspur
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.