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Common Name: Giant Larkspur

General Information

Delphinium glaucum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1.80 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are toxic[]. The plant is most toxic when it is young[].

Botanical References

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Range

Western N. America - Alaska to California.

Habitat

Sub-alpine to alpine meadows and streambanks[]. Meadows, wet thickets, bogs, streamsides and open coniferous woods from sea level to 3200 metres[].

Properties

Habit	Perennial
Height	1.80 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a rich moist but well-drained soil[] and dislikes water-logged soils[]. Requires an open sunny position[].
This species is hardy to about -20°c[].
A very variable species, it is divided by some botanists into several closely related species. Apparently because of rather recent and/or incomplete genetic isolation, the degree of differentiation between these species is not such that they can be consistently recognized. Specimens named Delphinium splendens represent plants grown in high-moisture, low-light conditions and may occur as sporadic individuals anywhere from California to Alaska. Type specimens of D . brownii Rydberg, D . canmorense Rydberg, and D . hookeri A. Nelson represent plants grown on relatively dry sites at high latitudes. Plants from dry sites at low latitudes are represented by D . bakerianum Bornmüller and D . occidentale var. reticulatum A. Nelson. Plants with lavender to white flowers are represented by type specimens of D . brownii forma pallidiflorum B. Boivin and D . cucullatum A. Nelson. Type specimens of D . alatum A. Nelson and D . glaucum var. alpinum F. L. Wynd (an invalid name) represent plants growing above or near treeline[].
Hybridises in the wild with Delphinium brachycentrum to form the hybrid D. x nutans[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves[]. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only.

Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring in a cold frame or May outdoors[]. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place[]. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c[]. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination[]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer.
Cuttings of basal shoots in mid spring, taken before they become hollow at the base, and planted in a cold frame[].
Division in spring[] or early autumn[].