Delphinium stachydeum

Spiked larkspur

Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: perennial · Native

Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3

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.

Habitat: Conifer forest edges, sagebrush scrub

Bloom period: Jul-Aug

Elevation: 2300-2600 m

Bioregions: Wrn

Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Jepson eFlora, Cal-IPC, and more.