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Delphinium nudicaule - Torr.&A.Gray.

Common Name Red Larkspur, Larkspur
Family Ranunculaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards All parts of the plant are toxic[172]. The plant is most toxic when it is young[200].
Habitats Dry slopes among shrubs and in woods, below 2150 metres[71]. Moist talus and cliff faces from sea level to 2600 metres[270].
Range South-western N. America - California, oregon
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Moist Soil Full sun
Delphinium nudicaule Red Larkspur, Larkspur


http://www.flickr.com/photos/11563230@N04
Delphinium nudicaule Red Larkspur, Larkspur
Gary A. Monroe @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

 

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Summary

Bloom Color: Orange. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Irregular or sprawling, Upright or erect.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Delphinium nudicaule is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from June 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

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; 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.
Narcotic

The root is considered by some native North American Indians to be highly narcotic[213, 257].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[207]. An ink can be made from the dye[207]. 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

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Rock garden, Seashore, Specimen. Prefers a rich well-drained soil[111, 200]. Dislikes water-logged soils[200]. Requires an open sunny position[188]. Plants can flower in their first year from spring-sown seed, they are reliably perennial in their native environment, but often die overwinter in most parts of Britain[200]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. Slugs and snails are very attracted to this plant[200]. Special Features: Attracts birds, Attractive foliage, North American native, All or parts of this plant are poisonous, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers, Extended bloom season in Zones 9A and above.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

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Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees,Edible Shrubs, Woodland Gardening, and Temperate Food Forest Plants. Our new book is Food Forest Plants For Hotter Conditions (Tropical and Sub-Tropical).

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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: United States (Oregon, California)

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 glaucumGiant Larkspur, Sierra larkspurPerennial1.8 0-0  LMHNM001
Delphinium menziesiiMenzies' LarkspurPerennial0.5 3-7  LMHNM011
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

Torr.&A.Gray.

Botanical References

71200

Links / References

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Subject : Delphinium nudicaule  
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