Delphinium patens Newb.

Common Names

Delphinium patens is a larkspur species commonly called zigzag larkspur and spreading larkspur.

Distribution

It is a wildflower found primarily in California, and its presence is expected but not yet confirmed in Baja California.

Size

Mature plants typically grow between 20 and 50 centimeters tall, and each plant can produce up to 36 flowers.

Stem Characteristics

Most of its stems are hairless, have reddish bases, and hold leaves only on the lower half of the stem.

Leaf Structure

Each leaf is divided into 3 to 9 lobes.

Flower Sepal Coloration

The flower has dark blue sepals, with the later sepals being reflexed.

Flower Spur Dimensions

The spur at the back of the flower measures 4 to 8 millimeters in length.

Flower Cleft Hairs

The central cleft of the flower has scattered white or yellowish hairs.

Fruit and Seeds

The elongated fruit is 1 to 2 centimeters long and holds pitted seeds.

Subspecies

There are three recognized subspecies of Delphinium patens: Delphinium patens subsp. hepaticoideum, Delphinium patens subsp. montanum, and Delphinium patens subsp. patens.

Hybridization

In the wild, Delphinium patens hybridizes freely with a small number of other species in Delphinium section Grumosa.