Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi
Parry's larkspur, Parry's Larkspur
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi (Parry's larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by absence of basal leaves during flowering and spreading sepals.
Parry's larkspur is a California native perennial found in the San Joaquin Valley, central western, and southwestern California regions in chaparral and oak woodland habitats at elevations of 200 to 1,700 meters. Flowering from April to June, this plant produces blue to deep purple flowers with spreading sepals and a distinctive curved spur 8 to 15 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems and a compact root system 5 to 20 centimeters deep, it develops a distinctive growth pattern with intricate branching. Its leaves feature deeply divided blades with 7 to 27 narrow lobes, creating a delicate, lacy appearance. The lower petal blades measure 3 to 8 millimeters, contributing to the plant's elegant and intricate floral structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 35 sympatric species; absence of basal leaves during flowering and spreading sepals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Chaparral, oak woodland
Elevation: 200-1700 m
California counties: San Luis Obispo, Riverside, Los Angeles, Tulare, San Bernardino, San Diego, Monterey, Orange, Ventura, Kern, Santa Clara, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz, Alameda, Fresno, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Stanislaus, Merced, Contra Costa, Madera
Outside California: northern Baja California
Bloom period
Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi blooms Apr-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 parryi subsp. parryi native to California?
Yes. Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi bloom?
Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi blooms Apr-Jun.
Where in California does Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi grow?
Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi occurs in San Luis Obispo, Riverside, Los Angeles, Tulare, San Bernardino, San Diego, Monterey, Orange and other counties, at elevations of 200-1700 m.
What plant family does Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi belong to?
Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
What habitat does Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi grow in?
Delphinium parryi subsp. parryi grows in Chaparral, oak woodland.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.