About Delphinium bicolor Nutt.
Nomenclature
Delphinium bicolor Nutt. (spelled Delphinium bicolour in the original text) is a larkspur species commonly called little larkspur and low larkspur.
Distribution and Habitat
It is native to northwestern North America, ranging from British Columbia to South Dakota, where it grows in mountain forests, foothill scrub, and prairie.
Growth Form
This plant is a perennial herb that grows from a thickly branching root system.
Stem Characteristics
It produces solitary stems that reach up to 40 centimetres (16 inches) in height; the stems are green with reddish bases.
Leaf Arrangement
Most of its leaves are located low on the stem and grow on short petioles.
Leaf Morphology
The leaves are several centimeters long, with many rounded lobes.
Inflorescence
Each stem bears a small inflorescence that holds a few large flowers.
Flower Characteristics
The flower has dark purple-blue sepals, each about 2 centimeters long, and a spur between 1 and 2 centimeters long.
Toxicity to Livestock
This plant is poisonous to cattle, and less poisonous to sheep.
Wildlife Consumption
It is also occasionally eaten by various species of wild cervids.
