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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Delphinium nuttallianum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from May to July. 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

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

Dye Ink Parasiticide

A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[207, 257]. 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

Prefers a rich well-drained soil[111, 200]. Dislikes water-logged soils[200]. Requires an open sunny position[188]. A very variable species, there are several sub-species[61]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. Slugs and snails are very attracted to this plant[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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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

Twolobe larkspur and Nuttall's larkspur.

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Western N. America - British Columbia to 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 itâ€™s worth checking.

This plant can be weedy or invasive. Some evidence in western US.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Medicinal	Other
Delphinium brachycentrum	Northern larkspur	Perennial	1.0	4-8		LMH	N	M	0	1
Delphinium brunonianum		Perennial	0.5	4-8		LMH	N	M	0	2
Delphinium caeruleum		Perennial	0.3	6-9		LMH	N	M	1	1
Delphinium cashmerianum		Perennial	0.5	4-8		LMH	N	M	1	2
Delphinium denudatum		Perennial	1.0	6-9		LMH	N	DM	1	1
Delphinium elatum	Candle larkspur, English Larkspur	Perennial	1.0	4-7	M	LMH	N	M	1	1
Delphinium glaucum	Giant Larkspur, Sierra larkspur	Perennial	1.8	0-0		LMH	N	M	0	1
Delphinium menziesii	Menzies' Larkspur	Perennial	0.5	3-7		LMH	N	M	1	1
Delphinium nudicaule	Red Larkspur, Larkspur	Perennial	0.3	3-7	M	LMH	N	M	1	3
Delphinium semibarbatum	Zalil	Perennial	0.5	5-9		LMH	N	M	1
Delphinium staphisagria	Stavesacre	Biennial/Perennial	1.0	7-10		LMH	N	M	2	2

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.

Delphinium nuttallianum - Pritz.