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Delphinium glaucum - S.Watson.

Common Name Giant Larkspur, Sierra larkspur
Family Ranunculaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards All parts of the plant are toxic[172]. The plant is most toxic when it is young[200].
Habitats Sub-alpine to alpine meadows and streambanks[60]. Meadows, wet thickets, bogs, streamsides and open coniferous woods from sea level to 3200 metres[270].
Range Western N. America - Alaska to California.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Full sun
Delphinium glaucum Giant Larkspur, Sierra larkspur


Delphinium glaucum Giant Larkspur, Sierra larkspur
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / USDA NRCS. Wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Delphinium glaucum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.8 m (6ft). It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Parasiticide

None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Parasiticide

A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves[172]. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a rich moist but well-drained soil[187] and dislikes water-logged soils[200]. Requires an open sunny position[188]. This species is hardy to about -20°c[187]. A very variable species, it is divided by some botanists into several closely related species. Apparently because of rather recent and/or incomplete genetic isolation, the degree of differentiation between these species is not such that they can be consistently recognized. Specimens named Delphinium splendens represent plants grown in high-moisture, low-light conditions and may occur as sporadic individuals anywhere from California to Alaska. Type specimens of D . brownii Rydberg, D . canmorense Rydberg, and D . hookeri A. Nelson represent plants grown on relatively dry sites at high latitudes. Plants from dry sites at low latitudes are represented by D . bakerianum Bornmüller and D . occidentale var. reticulatum A. Nelson. Plants with lavender to white flowers are represented by type specimens of D . brownii forma pallidiflorum B. Boivin and D . cucullatum A. Nelson. Type specimens of D . alatum A. Nelson and D . glaucum var. alpinum F. L. Wynd (an invalid name) represent plants growing above or near treeline[270]. Hybridises in the wild with Delphinium brachycentrum to form the hybrid D. x nutans[270]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants especially legumes[54].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow March/April in a cold frame or May outdoors[111]. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place[175]. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c[200]. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination[175]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c[175]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Cuttings of basal shoots in April/May, taken before they become hollow at the base, and planted in a cold frame[111]. Division in spring[111] or early autumn[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Yukon, Alberta, British Columbia), United States (Alaska (southeast), Oregon (west), Washington (west), California (north), Nevada (west))

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Delphinium brachycentrumNorthern larkspurPerennial1.0 4-8  LMHNM001
Delphinium brunonianum Perennial0.5 4-8  LMHNM002
Delphinium caeruleum Perennial0.3 6-9  LMHNM011
Delphinium cashmerianum Perennial0.5 4-8  LMHNM012
Delphinium denudatum Perennial1.0 6-9  LMHNDM011
Delphinium elatumCandle larkspur, English LarkspurPerennial1.0 4-7 MLMHNM011
Delphinium menziesiiMenzies' LarkspurPerennial0.5 3-7  LMHNM011
Delphinium nudicauleRed Larkspur, LarkspurPerennial0.3 3-7 MLMHNM013
Delphinium nuttallianumLarkspur, Twolobe larkspurPerennial0.3 4-8  LMHNM002
Delphinium semibarbatumZalilPerennial0.5 5-9  LMHNM01 
Delphinium staphisagriaStavesacreBiennial/Perennial1.0 7-10  LMHNM022

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

S.Watson.

Botanical References

60270

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Jerry webster   Sun Aug 10 2008

Hello I,n to Gardening i like the Giant larkspur plant would like to buy 5 of the pretty ones or seeds, and avise to start? thanks Jerry and Donna webster 4708 wa-tau-ga Ave Ne tacoma ,wash 98422 ph 253-952-2200

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