Delphinium depauperatum

Common Names

Dwarf Larkspur, Slim Larkspur, Blue Mountain Larkspur, Mountain Larkspur

Summary

Commonly known as the Dwarf larkspur or Slim larkspur, this perennial herb has an unbranched stem typically 10–70 cm tall with basal leaves predominating on the lower portion. It bears blue to bluish purple sepals with straight spurs 12–16 mm, usually 3–15 (up to 25) flowers per inflorescence; inflorescences are cylindric and bloom in summer. Leaves are generally small and glabrous; fruits 9–16 mm and seeds winged. Native to western North America, it occurs from California to Washington and north to Idaho and Montana, at elevations of 1800–2600 m, in moist meadows often near streams.

Cultivation requires a mesic, slightly humous, sunny site with moist, rich, well-drained soil; a placement in an alpine house is possible. Propagation is by seed in winter, barely covered, with germination typically 1–3 months at 10–13°C, or by division in spring as new growth commences. In landscape use, it fits meadow or naturalistic plantings in moisture-rich areas and can support pollinators and wildlife, including hummingbirds, bees, caterpillars, and butterflies; rare hybrids with D. nuttallianum occur (D. × burkei Greene).

Lifecycle

Annual, Biennial, Perennial

Height

4-24 inches

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun, partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist meadow soils near streams.

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soils.

Bloom Color

Blue to bluish purple, with some white on petals.

Bloom Time

Late Spring to Summer

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees