Delphinium inopinum
Unexpected larkspur
(c) Ryan Donnelly, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ryan Donnelly · licence
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 4.3
Delphinium inopinum (Unexpected larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by tall stature at high elevation with waxy coating.
Unexpected larkspur is a California native perennial ranked 4.3 by CNPS, found in the southern Sierra Nevada Mountains in open conifer forest and rocky areas at elevations of 2,200 to 2,800 meters. Flowering from June to August, this plant produces white to blue flowers with forward-pointing sepals and intricate petal structures. Growing with multiple stems 1 to 1.4 meters tall that are glaucous and glabrous, it emerges from a deep, branching root system with apparent rootstock buds. Its leaves are primarily concentrated on the lower fifth of the stem, featuring 3 to 9 lobes ranging from 5 to 28 millimeters wide on basal leaves. The plant produces fruits 12 to 20 millimeters long with smooth, winged seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; distinguished by tall stature at high elevation with waxy coating
Habitat and range
Habitat: Open conifer forest, rock outcrops
Elevation: 2200-2800 m
Bloom period
Delphinium inopinum blooms Jun-Aug.
Conservation status
CNPS 4.3
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 inopinum native to California?
Yes. Delphinium inopinum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium inopinum bloom?
Delphinium inopinum blooms Jun-Aug.
What plant family does Delphinium inopinum belong to?
Delphinium inopinum is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium inopinum rare or endangered?
Delphinium inopinum carries California Rare Plant Rank 4.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Delphinium inopinum grow in?
Delphinium inopinum grows in Open conifer forest, rock outcrops.
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.