Delphinium elatum
a perennial member of the Delphinium genus in the family Ranunculaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Delphinium
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 1 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.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
All parts of the plant are toxic[10][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.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The whole plant, but especially the seeds, is anthelmintic, aperient, diuretic and emetic[7].
- Product or use
- Anthelmintic
- Product or use
- Aperient
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Emetic
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The seed contains 1.7% alkaloids and is used as an insecticide[7].
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Western Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaon.
- Habitat
- Temperate areas from 3000 - 3600 metres[7]. Grassy slopes at elevations of 1900 - 2100 metres in Tibet[8]..
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 3+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
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]. This species is the main parent of the many tall hybrid forms of delphiniums that are commonly grown as garden ornamentals[6]. A variable species in the wild, varying in height from 40cm to 2 metres[6]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[9].
References
Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge 1926-00-00
Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.
Bird. R. (Editor) Focus on Plants. Volume 5. (formerly 'Growing from seed') Thompson and Morgan. 1991-00-00
Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9
Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
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
Flora of China 1994-00-00 http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4
Frohne. D. and Pf�nder. J. A Colour Atlas of Poisonous Plants. Wolfe 1984-00-00 ISBN 0723408394