Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense
San clemente island larkspur, San Clemente Island Larkspur
Photo: parent species Delphinium variegatum · (c) Ryan Donnelly, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.1 · Delisted
Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense (San clemente island larkspur) is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by sepal color and size from subsp. thornei.
San clemente island larkspur is a rare (CNPS 1B.1) California native perennial found in southern Channel Islands on San Clemente Island in coastal grassland at elevations below 500 meters. Flowering from January to April, this plant produces light blue to white flowers with distinctive lateral sepals 11 to 18 millimeters long. Growing with slender stems in sparse clusters, it forms compact groups on gentle 0 to 15 degree slopes. Its lower petal blades measure 4 to 9 millimeters, creating delicate floral structures characteristic of island larkspur populations. The inflorescence features flowers clustered along the main axis, typically with fewer than 12 blooms.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 6 sympatric species; distinguished by sepal color and size from subsp. thornei
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal grassland, 0--15° slopes
Elevation: < 500 m
California counties: Los Angeles
Bloom period
Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense blooms Jan-Apr.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.1 · Delisted
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 variegatum subsp. kinkiense native to California?
Yes. Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense bloom?
Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense blooms Jan-Apr.
Where in California does Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense grow?
Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense occurs in Los Angeles, at elevations of < 500 m.
What plant family does Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense belong to?
Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Delphinium.
Is Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense rare or endangered?
Delphinium variegatum subsp. kinkiense carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.1, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Delphinium variegatum subsp. thornei — Thorne's royal larkspur
- Delphinium variegatum subsp. variegatum
- Delphinium ajacis — Doubtful knight's spur
- Delphinium andersonii — Anderson's larkspur
- Delphinium antoninum — Anthony peak larkspur
- Delphinium bakeri — Baker's larkspur
- Enemion occidentale — Western rue-anemone
- Enemion sp. — False rue-anemone
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.