Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae
Dune larkspur, Dune Larkspur
Photo: parent species Delphinium parryi · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae (Dune larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by coastal low elevation habitat and large pale-centered flowers.
Dune larkspur is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern coastal California, including Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties, in coastal chaparral and sandy habitats at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces lavender to deep purple flowers with pale lower petal blades and distinctively reflexed sepals. Growing with short stems emerging from a compact root less than 10 centimeters long, it develops delicate leaves with 5 to 15 distinctive lobes. Its leaf structure is particularly notable, with basal leaves often absent during flowering, creating a distinctive sparse appearance. The flower's spur measures 11 to 16 millimeters long, with lateral sepals 16 to 25 millimeters, giving the plant an elegant, graceful profile.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 sympatric species; coastal low elevation habitat and large pale-centered flowers
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal chaparral, sand
Elevation: < 200 m
California counties: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, Kern
Bloom period
Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae blooms Apr-May.
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 parryi subsp. blochmaniae native to California?
Yes. Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae bloom?
Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae grow?
Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae occurs in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, Ventura, Kern, at elevations of < 200 m.
What plant family does Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae belong to?
Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae rare or endangered?
Delphinium parryi subsp. blochmaniae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae — Eastwood's larkspur
- Delphinium parryi subsp. maritimum — Maritime larkspur
- Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi — Parry's larkspur
- Delphinium parryi subsp. purpureum — Mount pinos larkspur
- Delphinium patens — Spreading or zigzag larkspur
- Delphinium patens subsp. hepaticoideum
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.