Delphinium luteum
Golden larkspur, Golden Larkspur
(c) Stan Shebs, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
Delphinium luteum (Golden larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by unique yellow flower color.
Golden larkspur is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in northern Coast Ranges in Marin and Sonoma counties, occurring in moist coastal grasslands, chaparral, and cliff habitats at elevations below 50 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces bright yellow flowers with distinctive forward-pointing sepals and a curved spur 13 to 20 millimeters long. Growing 20 to 55 centimeters tall with stems slightly narrower at the base and mostly smooth, it has a root system over 15 centimeters deep with branching characteristics. Its leaves are generally basal, somewhat fleshy and smooth, with lobes wider than 6 millimeters. The fruit curves slightly and measures 11 to 14 millimeters in length, containing smooth seeds with an inflated collar.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 10 sympatric species; unique yellow flower color is diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist sites, cliffs, coastal grassland, chaparral
Elevation: < 50 m
California counties: Sonoma, Marin, San Bernardino, Los Angeles
Bloom period
Delphinium luteum blooms Mar-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Endangered
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 luteum native to California?
Yes. Delphinium luteum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium luteum bloom?
Delphinium luteum blooms Mar-May.
Where in California does Delphinium luteum grow?
Delphinium luteum occurs in Sonoma, Marin, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, at elevations of < 50 m.
What plant family does Delphinium luteum belong to?
Delphinium luteum is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium luteum rare or endangered?
Delphinium luteum carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S1.
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.