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Common Name: Larkspur

General Information

Delphinium nuttallianum is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 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

, ,

Range

Western N. America - British Columbia to California.

Habitat

Sagebrush desert to (more commonly)mountain valleys and slopes[]. Most frequent in the ponderosa pine belt and is usually found in well-drained gravelly soils[].

Properties

Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prefers a rich well-drained soil[, ]. Dislikes water-logged soils[]. Requires an open sunny position[].
A very variable species, there are several sub-species[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[].
Slugs and snails are very attracted to this plant[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[, ]. An ink can be made from the dye[].
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[].