Delphinium californicum Torr. & A.Gray

Common Name

Delphinium californicum is a species of larkspur commonly called California larkspur.

Distribution

This wildflower is endemic to California, growing on chaparral slopes in the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Coast of the state.

Root and Stem Structure

It grows from a long taproot, producing tall, erect stems that usually grow over 1 meter tall, and often reach up to 2 meters in height.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves grow on long petioles, and each leaf is divided into as many as 15 finger-like, pointed lobes.

Inflorescence Structure

The upper part of the stem holds a very large inflorescence that usually contains more than 50 individual flowers. Each flower develops on a pedicel several centimeters long.

Flower Shape

The flower's sepals point forward to form a cup around the opening of the somewhat tubular bloom. The longest sepals measure roughly 1 centimeter long, and the flower's spur can be close to 2 centimeters in length.

Flower Color

The flower is most often white, greenish-white, or light lavender in color.