About Delphinium nuttallianum Pritz. ex Walp.
Nomenclature
Delphinium nuttallianum Pritz. ex Walp. is a species of larkspur that has the common names two-lobe larkspur, upland larkspur, common larkspur, and Nuttall's larkspur; the name Nuttall's larkspur is also shared with Delphinium nuttallii.
Distribution and habitat
It is widely distributed across western North America from California to Alberta, growing in mountain meadows and most of the sagebrush steppe, excluding only very dry areas.
Root characteristics
Its roots vary from thin to thick.
Stem characteristics
This plant has an erect white to pink stem that usually does not exceed half a meter in height, and the stem may branch several times.
Leaf characteristics
Deeply lobed leaves are mostly found near the base of the plant.
Inflorescence structure
The inflorescence at the top of the stem holds a few widely spaced flowers on long pedicels.
Sepal characteristics
The sepals are long and either curl backwards or fold upon themselves, and they can be purple, blue, or almost white.
Petal characteristics
The lower petals match the sepal color, while the upper petals are often white.
Flower spur characteristics
The flower spur is one or two centimeters long.
Surface texture
The upper portion of the plant is often hairy.
Toxicity
This species is very poisonous to livestock, especially cattle.
