Delphinium stachydeum
Spiked larkspur
(c) Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Delphinium stachydeum (Spiked larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by Warner Mountains endemic with very tall stems and branched inflorescences.
Spiked larkspur is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in western bioregions in conifer forest edges and sagebrush scrub at elevations of 2,300 to 2,600 meters. Flowering from July to August, this plant produces bright blue flowers with pale midline sepals in dense clusters, with individual flowers 9 to 13 millimeters long and a distinctive 11 to 16 millimeter spur. Growing 100 to 180 centimeters tall with multiple stems that are softly hairy, it develops a prominent root system over 15 centimeters long with branching underground buds. Its leaves are concentrated on the lower half of the stem, featuring 3 to 18 distinctive lobes that provide a delicate, intricate foliage structure. The plant produces elongated fruits 10 to 15 millimeters long, with seeds featuring a subtle striped texture.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 3 sympatric species; Warner Mountains endemic with very tall stems and branched inflorescences
Habitat and range
Habitat: Conifer forest edges, sagebrush scrub
Elevation: 2300-2600 m
Outside California: to southeastern Washington, southwestern Idaho, northwestern Utah
Bloom period
Delphinium stachydeum blooms Jul-Aug.
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 stachydeum native to California?
Yes. Delphinium stachydeum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium stachydeum bloom?
Delphinium stachydeum blooms Jul-Aug.
What plant family does Delphinium stachydeum belong to?
Delphinium stachydeum is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium stachydeum rare or endangered?
Delphinium stachydeum carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S3.
What habitat does Delphinium stachydeum grow in?
Delphinium stachydeum grows in Conifer forest edges, sagebrush scrub.
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.