Delphinium parryi

Common Names

Parry's Larkspur, San Bernardino Larkspur

Summary

Parry's larkspur is a perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae native to California and Baja California, with stiffly erect, hairy stems and deeply pinnately divided leaves. Inflorescences are dense, cylindric spike-like racemes bearing blue to bluish-purple, bilaterally symmetrical flowers; sepals dark blue to bluish-purple with pubescence; spurs straight and 9–17(–21) mm long; lower petal blades about 3–10 mm with hairs mostly near the base of the cleft; inflorescences range 2–24(–48) flowers and bloom in spring.

In cultivation, it favors full sun to partial shade and well-drained soils; native habitat includes chaparral and woodlands; propagation by seed with no treatment; suitable for borders or cottage gardens and for native or pollinator plantings; highly toxic if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

6 inches-3.5 feet

Spread

4-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8b-10b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial sun.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil.

Bloom Color

Blue to Purple

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds (no treatment)

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, birds