species 18,031 observations

Upland Larkspur

Delphinium nuttallianum

Field notes

Delphinium nuttallianum is a species of larkspur known by the common names two-lobe larkspur, upland larkspur, common larkspur, and Nuttall's larkspur (the latter name is shared with Delphinium nuttallii). It is widely distributed across western North America from California to Alberta, including mountain meadows and the majority of the sagebrush steppe, except very dry areas.

The roots vary from thin to thick. The plant has a white to pink erect stem usually not exceeding half a meter in height, which may branch several times. Deeply lobed leaves are located mostly about the base of the plant. The inflorescence occupying the top end of the stem has a few widely spaced flowers on long pedicels. The sepals are long and curl backwards or fold upon themselves. They may be purple to blue or almost white. The lower petals are the same color, while the upper are often white. The spur is one or two centimeters long. The upper portion of the plant is often hairy.

The species is very poisonous to livestock, especially cattle.

Read more on Wikipedia

Supports All

52 native animals
supported in the US

Range

United States

Greener is more native, amber more introduced; paler is less certain. How this was decided

Key traits

Moisture
Dry

From USDA PLANTS and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.