Delphinium hansenii (Greene) Greene

Scientific Name and Common Name

Delphinium hansenii, commonly known as Eldorado larkspur, is a perennial herbaceous wildflower.

Height

It typically reaches a height of 0.5 to 1 meter, though individual plants can grow much taller.

Leaf Characteristics

Its deeply lobed leaves are covered in hairs, with particularly dense hairiness on their undersides.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence, located at the top of the stem, usually holds more than 25 closely grouped flowers on long pedicels.

Flower Color and Size

Flowers of this species range in color from white to light blue or light pink, and may also be bicolored, with variation in flower size.

Inner Petal Traits

The inner petals are often quite hairy.

Flowering Period

Flowering occurs between March and May.

Chromosome Number

The diploid chromosome number for D. hansenii is 2n=32.

Fruit Type

It produces fruit in the form of a follicle.

Similar Species Distinction

While it can be mistaken for Delphinium hesperium, D. hansenii is easily identifiable by its unique seeds.

Seed Characteristics

Its seeds, distinct among other species in the Delphinium genus, bear many prism-like raised structures, and this characteristic also distinguishes D. hansenii from most other species in the genus.