Delphinium californicum

Common Names

California Larkspur, Coast Larkspur

Summary

California larkspur is an endemic California perennial herb native to chaparral slopes of the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast, with stout, leafy stems 2–7 ft tall arising from a long root and leaves palmately divided into multiple lobes. The top of the stem bears a very large inflorescence with over 50 flowers; sepals point forward and are lavender to greenish-white, on pedicels several centimeters long.

Grows best in sun with regular to low water and in rich, well-drained soil; it is deer resistant and suitable for cottage gardens, floriferous displays, and native plantings; hardy in USDA zones 8a–10b. Propagation by sowing seed; protection from snails and slugs recommended. Attracts hummingbirds and bees.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

2-7 ft

Spread

2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8a-10b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun or partial shade.

Soil Type

Moist, rich, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist, well-drained soil.

Bloom Color

Lavender to greenish white

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Cannot determine growth rate from provided data.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, other pollinators (moths) likely attracted