Practical
Plants

Delphinium nudicaule

Red Larkspur

a perennial member of the Delphinium genus in the family Ranunculaceae.

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.3 m
Spread
0.25 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[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.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The root is considered by some native North American Indians to be highly narcotic[7][8].

Product or use
Narcotic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[6]. An ink can be made from the dye[6]. A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves[2]. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only.

Environment

Range
South-western N. America - California.
Habitat
Dry slopes among shrubs and in woods, below 2150 metres[10].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
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[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

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers a rich well-drained soil[1][5]. Dislikes water-logged soils[5]. Requires an open sunny position[4]. Plants can flower in their first year from spring-sown seed, they are reliably perennial in their native environment, but often die overwinter in most parts of Britain[5]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[9]. Slugs and snails are very attracted to this plant[5].

References

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

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

    ↩1↩2

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

    ↩1↩2↩3

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

    ↩

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7

  6. Coffey. T. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File. 1993-00-00 ISBN 0-8160-2624-6

    ↩1↩2

  7. Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6

    ↩

  8. Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. 1998-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-453-9

    ↩

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

    ↩

  10. Munz. A California Flora. University of California Press 1959-00-00

    ↩

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