About Delphinium hesperium A.Gray
Delphinium hesperium is a larkspur species, commonly called foothill larkspur. It is sometimes also known as western larkspur and coastal larkspur, but these names are less specific because they are shared with other larkspur species. This species is endemic to California, where it grows in woodland and grassland habitats across the northern half of the state. This wildflower typically grows between one-half and one meter (1 foot 8 inches to 3 feet 3 inches) tall. Its leaves are deeply lobed, have prominent veins, and are mostly found near the base of the plant. Its inflorescence can hold anywhere from just a few flowers to over 100 flowers, with each flower borne on a long, thick pedicel. The flowers are usually a vivid blue or purple, but they may also occur in lighter shades ranging from pinkish to white. Most often, the sepals are dark in color, while the petals are lighter. The flower's spur measures approximately one to two centimeters (0.79 inches) long. Three subspecies of Delphinium hesperium are recognized. The Cuyamaca larkspur, subspecies cuyamacae, is native to the Peninsular Ranges, where it occurs near Cuyamaca Lake and possibly on Palomar Mountain in San Diego County. Subspecies hesperium is native to the North Coast Ranges. The pale-flowered western larkspur, subspecies pallescens, which has white, pink, or light blue sepals, grows in the Coast Ranges.
