Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum
Pale-flowered parish's larkspur, Pale-Flowered Parish's Larkspur
Photo: parent species Delphinium parishii · Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum (Pale-flowered parish's larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by pale flowers and broader lobes distinguish from other parishii subspecies.
Pale-flowered parish's larkspur is a California native perennial found in the southwestern San Joaquin Valley, south coastal ranges, and western Transverse Ranges in sagebrush scrub and chaparral at elevations of 900 to 1,900 meters. Flowering from May to June, this plant produces white to pink or blue flowers with spreading sepals and a distinctive spur 7 to 13 millimeters long. Growing with stems 27 to 95 centimeters tall, it develops primarily basal leaves with 3 to 7 lobes generally wider than 6 millimeters. Its leaves are primarily clustered at the base of the plant, with stem leaves becoming progressively smaller and more reduced. The flower's lower petal blades measure 3 to 4 millimeters, creating a delicate and intricate bloom characteristic of larkspur species.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 20 sympatric species; pale flowers and broader lobes distinguish from other parishii subspecies
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Sagebrush scrub, chaparral
Elevation: 900-1900 m
Bloom period
Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum blooms May-Jun.
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 parishii subsp. pallidum native to California?
Yes. Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum bloom?
Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum blooms May-Jun.
What plant family does Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum belong to?
Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
What habitat does Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum grow in?
Delphinium parishii subsp. pallidum grows in Uncommon. Sagebrush scrub, chaparral.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Delphinium parishii subsp. parishii — Parish's
- Delphinium parishii subsp. subglobosum — Colorado desert larkspur
- Delphinium parryi — San bernardino larkspur
- Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae — Dune larkspur
- Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae — Eastwood's larkspur
- Delphinium parryi subsp. maritimum — Maritime 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.