Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae
Eastwood's larkspur, Eastwood's Larkspur
Photo: parent species Delphinium parryi · no rights reserved · CC0
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae (Eastwood's larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by serpentine habitat and leaf persistence during flowering.
Eastwood's larkspur is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native perennial found in southern Central Coast and San Luis Obispo County coastal regions in chaparral and grassland habitats, particularly on serpentine soils, at elevations of 100 to 500 meters. Flowering from March to May, this plant produces delicate blue to purple flowers with reflexed sepals and distinctive spurs 11 to 17 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems up to 10 centimeters tall, it develops leaves primarily on the lower third of the stem with 5 to 15 distinctive lobes. Its basal leaves are divided into complex segments, creating an intricate silhouette against the coastal landscape. Lower flower petals measure 6 to 9 millimeters, contributing to the plant's delicate and elegant appearance.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 19 sympatric species; serpentine habitat and leaf persistence during flowering
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon. Coastal chaparral, grassland, on serpentine
Elevation: 100-500 m
Bloom period
Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae blooms Mar-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. eastwoodiae native to California?
Yes. Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae bloom?
Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae blooms Mar-May.
What plant family does Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae belong to?
Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae rare or endangered?
Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae grow in?
Delphinium parryi subsp. eastwoodiae grows in Uncommon. Coastal chaparral, grassland, on serpentine.
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.