Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae
Cuyamaca larkspur, Cuyamaca Larkspur
Photo: parent species Delphinium hesperium · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae (Cuyamaca larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by narrow petals and dense flower clusters.
Cuyamaca larkspur is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in central Peninsular Ranges in grassland and yellow-pine forest at elevations around 1,500 meters. Flowering from June to July, this plant produces dark blue-purple flowers with lateral sepals 7 to 10 millimeters long and a distinctive spur 8 to 12 millimeters in length. Growing with stems that have a puberulent base, the larkspur develops clusters with more than 25 flowers in dense inflorescences. Its lower petal blades are small, measuring 3 to 5 millimeters, with pedicels typically placed less than 8 millimeters apart. The spreading-forward-pointing sepals create a distinctive architectural shape that distinguishes this rare subspecies in its montane habitats.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 5 sympatric species; distinguished by narrow petals and dense flower clusters
Habitat and range
Habitat: Grassland, yellow-pine forest
Elevation: +- 1500 m.
Bloom period
Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae blooms Jun-Jul.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
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 hesperium subsp. cuyamacae native to California?
Yes. Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae bloom?
Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae blooms Jun-Jul.
What plant family does Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae belong to?
Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae rare or endangered?
Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae grow in?
Delphinium hesperium subsp. cuyamacae grows in Grassland, yellow-pine forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.