Canyon Larkspur
(Delphinium nudicaule)
Canyon Larkspur (Delphinium nudicaule)
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dloarie
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
dloarie
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: dloarie | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: dloarie | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2012-04-04T15:51:37-07:00 |
























Estimated Native Range
Summary
Delphinium nudicaule, commonly known as Canyon Larkspur or Red Larkspur, is a perennial herb native to the open woodlands and chaparral of low-elevation canyons and slopes in California and Oregon, typically below 6,500 feet. It reaches a modest height of 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) and spreads about 1 foot (30 cm) wide. Canyon Larkspur is characterized by its thin, long stems and finely dissected leaves, which create an airy, delicate texture in the garden. The plant produces vivid red to orange tubular flowers from late spring to early summer, which are highly attractive to hummingbirds and beneficial for pollination.
Canyon Larkspur is valued for its striking flower color and its ability to attract wildlife, particularly hummingbirds. It is used in native plant gardens, borders, and as part of pollinator-friendly plantings. This species prefers well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and snails, especially in humid or overly moist conditions. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it should be handled with care due to its potential skin irritants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Canyon Larkspur is valued for its striking flower color and its ability to attract wildlife, particularly hummingbirds. It is used in native plant gardens, borders, and as part of pollinator-friendly plantings. This species prefers well-drained soils and is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While it is relatively low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and snails, especially in humid or overly moist conditions. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it should be handled with care due to its potential skin irritants.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 0.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: Orange, Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to the open woodlands and chaparral of low-elevation canyons and slopes in California and Oregon
Other Names
Common Names: Red Larkspur, Canyon Delphinium, Scarlet Larkspur, Canyon Larkspur
Scientific Names: , Delphinium nudicaule, Delphinastrum nudicaule, Delphinium armeniacum, Delphinium decorum var. nudicaule, Delphinium nudicaule f. elatius, Delphinium nudicaule var. elatium, Delphinium nudicaule var. foliosum, Delphinium sarcophyllum,
GBIF Accepted Name: