Delphinium hutchinsoniae
Hutchinson's larkspur
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Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Delphinium hutchinsoniae (Hutchinson's larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by large flowers and curved spur tips.
Hutchinson's larkspur is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in central California Coast Ranges, specifically in central Monterey County, in coastal prairie, chaparral, and forest habitats at elevations below 430 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces blue to purple flowers with distinctive down-curved sepals and intricate multi-lobed blossoms. Growing with tall stems 25 to 100 centimeters high, the plant has stems with puberulent (softly hairy) bases and spreading leaf lobes. Its leaves feature complex structures with 3 to 17 lobes, with secondary lobes spreading outward and petioles covered in generally spreading hairs. The fruit develops with distinctive blue-veined surfaces, creating an elegant contrast to the plant's delicate floral structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; distinguished by large flowers and curved spur tips
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal prairie, chaparral, forest
Elevation: < 430 m
California counties: Monterey
Bloom period
Delphinium hutchinsoniae blooms Mar-Jun.
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 hutchinsoniae native to California?
Yes. Delphinium hutchinsoniae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium hutchinsoniae bloom?
Delphinium hutchinsoniae blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Delphinium hutchinsoniae grow?
Delphinium hutchinsoniae occurs in Monterey, at elevations of < 430 m.
What plant family does Delphinium hutchinsoniae belong to?
Delphinium hutchinsoniae is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium hutchinsoniae rare or endangered?
Delphinium hutchinsoniae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · 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.