Practical
Plants

Delphinium caeruleum

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.3 m
Spread
0.3 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

All parts of the plant are toxic[11][2]. The plant is most toxic when it is young[6].

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

The roots have been used to kill maggots in the wounds of goats[7].

Product or use
Parasiticide

Material uses

A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves and roots[8][10]. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only.

Product or use
Parasiticide

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas from Kumaon to Sikkim.
Habitat
Alpine areas from 2500 to 5000 metres[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow March/April in a cold frame or May outdoors[1]. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place[3]. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c[6]. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination[3]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c[3]. 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 April/May, taken before they become hollow at the base, and planted in a cold frame[1]. Division in spring[1] or early autumn[6].

Cultivation

Prefers a rich well-drained soil that stays moist in the summer[1][4]. Dislikes water-logged soils[6], it is liable to die out in heavy soils over winter[1]. Requires an open sunny position[5]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[9].

References

  1. Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge 1926-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  2. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

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  3. Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed') Thompson and Morgan. 1991-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

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  5. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

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  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  7. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  8. Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press 1984-00-00

    ↩

  9. Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4

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  10. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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  11. Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394

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