Delphinium scaposum
Bare-stem larkspur, Bare-Stem Larkspur
(c) Gail A Baker, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Delphinium scaposum (Bare-stem larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by Sonoran Desert restriction and predominantly basal leaves with reflective dark blue sepals.
Bare-stem larkspur is a California native perennial ranked 2B.3 by CNPS, found in the Whipple Mountains in sandy and gravelly canyon areas within juniper woodland at elevations of 269 to 1,055 meters. Flowering from March to April, this plant produces dark blue flowers with brightly reflective sepals, the lateral sepals 7 to 10 millimeters long with a distinctive spur 8 to 12 millimeters in length. Growing with erect stems 40 to 85 centimeters tall, the plant has a base narrower than its root and completely glabrous stems. Its leaves are primarily basal with 3 to 5 distinctive lobes, each at least 4 millimeters wide and appearing smooth and hairless. The plant produces elongated fruits 12 to 16 millimeters long, typically three times longer than their width.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; Sonoran Desert restriction and predominantly basal leaves with reflective dark blue sepals
Habitat and range
Habitat: Canyons, sandy, gravelly soil, juniper woodland
Elevation: 269-1055 m
California counties: San Bernardino
Outside California: to Colorado, New Mexico
Bloom period
Delphinium scaposum blooms Mar-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
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 scaposum native to California?
Yes. Delphinium scaposum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium scaposum bloom?
Delphinium scaposum blooms Mar-Apr.
Where in California does Delphinium scaposum grow?
Delphinium scaposum occurs in San Bernardino, at elevations of 269-1055 m.
What plant family does Delphinium scaposum belong to?
Delphinium scaposum is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium scaposum rare or endangered?
Delphinium scaposum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, 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.