[Larkspurs: The Genus Delphinium in Mt. Adams Country]

Meadow larkspur as seen along forest road K1000 near the Yakima-Klickitat County Line........July 28, 2006. In this frontal view of the corollas, notice the blue sepals flaring somewhat forward, the upper whitish petals and bluish, lower petals which are incised at their tips. note that the flowers are secund or oriented largely to one side of the inflorescence. Note also the short petioles held closely to the main stem.

Meadow larkspur blooming at left and center in vernally moist swales and scablands at the Klickitat Breaks, Klickitat Wildlife Area.......May 26, 2020. The photo at right shows meadow larkspur in bloom in vernally moist drainages to the east of Canyon Creek, Klickitat Wildlife Area......July 3, 2022.

Note the hairy seed pods held closely to the main stem as seen along forest road K1000 near the Yakima-Klickitat County Line........July 28, 2006.

A deeply incised leaf from midstem of meadow larkspur as seen along forest road K1000 near the Yakima-Klickitat County Line........July 28, 2006.

The stem leaves of meadow larkspur are strongly dimorphic, varying in shape from lower on the stem upwards. The lower stem leaves have petioles as long as the blades, while the petioles become much shorter higher on the stem. The segments of the lower leaves tend to be broader, while those of the upper leaves tend to be more linear. The numerous leaves of midstem tend to be crowded while those of the lower stem tend to be more widely spaced. The basal leaves and some of the lower leaves as seen here begin to wither away at the time that flowering begins. This photo was taken along forest road K1000 near the Yakima-Klickitat County Line........July 28, 2006..