#49. Poison Larkspur

Scientific Name:

Common Local Larkspurs:

Delphinium menziesii var. pyramidale --Cliff Larkspur ( small larkspur of cliffs in west Columbia R. Gorge).

Delphinium nuttallianum--Upland Larkspur (small larkspur of grasslands & open woods of eastern Columbia R. Gorge.

Delphinium nuttallii--Nuttall's Larkspur (both photos on this page)(2-ft larkspur of moist meadows or open woods in mid Columbia R. Gorge).

Family Name:

Buttercup Family

Habitat:

Moist forest openings.

Characteristics:

1. Leaves palmate, deeply lobed, and mostly on stems.

2. Flowers are a deep blue to purple with some white in the the center. Larkspur flowers also have a long, straight spur extending rearward from the base of the flower.

3. Poison Larkspur has 5 to 20 flowers clustered at the top of the four foot stems.

Uses or Importances:

1. Pretty garden flower. Poison Larkspur is related to the numerous larkspurs we use in our gardens. The domestic varieties may also be called Delphiniums.

2. All parts of this plant are very poisonous. Under no circumstances should this plant be eaten!