Delphinium menziesii
Larkspur
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Delphinium
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.5 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[2]. The plant is most toxic when it is young[5].
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.
A poultice of the stalks and roots has been applied to sores[6].
- Product or use
- Poultice
Material uses
A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves[2]. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only. A blue dye can be obtained from the flowers[6].
- Product or use
- Dye
- Product or use
- Parasiticide
Environment
- Range
- Western N. America - British Columbia to California.
- Habitat
- Coastal bluffs and prairies to lower montane meadows[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
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[5]. 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[5].
Cultivation
Prefers a rich well-drained soil[1][5]. Dislikes water-logged soils[5]. Requires an open sunny position[4]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[7].
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
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
Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9
Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd 1977-00-00 ISBN 0-584-10141-4
Hitchcock. C. L. Vascular Plants of the Pacific Northwest. University of Washington Press 1955-00-00