Delphinium Species, Carolina Larkspur, Plains Larkspur, Prairie Larkspur

Delphiniumcarolinianum

Family
Ranunculaceae (ra-nun-kew-LAY-see-ee)
Genus
Delphinium (del-FIN-ee-um)
Species
carolinianum (kair-oh-lin-ee-AN-um)
Synonym
Delphinastrum carolinianum
Delphinium americanum
Delphinium azureum
Delphinium nortonianum
Delphinium simplex
Sun Exposure
Partial to Full Shade
Foliage
Smooth
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Spacing
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
All parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color
Blue-Violet
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Late Winter/Early Spring
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Water Requirements
Very high moisture needs; suitable for bogs and water gardens
Foliage Color
Blue-Green
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive
Soil pH requirements
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season
Seed Collecting
Collect seedhead/pod when flowers fade; allow to dry
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Morrilton, Arkansas

Page, North Dakota

Arlington, Texas

Austin, Texas

Dripping Springs, Texas

Fort Worth, Texas

Lipan, Texas

New Braunfels, Texas

San Antonio, Texas

Santa Fe, Texas

Leesburg, Virginia

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Gardener's Notes:

5
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
Sort By:
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G
(Zone 8a) | April 2014 | positive

I am not sure the growing information that this plant has high water needs is accurate in all cases, as the one in my yard volunteered be...Read More

F
Josephine, Arlington, TX (Zone 8a) | June 2007 | positive

Prairie Larkspur Delphinium carolinianum is native to Texas and other States.

H
H
San Antonio, TX (Zone 8b) | May 2007 | positive

Caution:
All parts of the plants of the genus Delphinium contain poisons and should never be eaten. Humans and animals can be fata...Read More

E
Austin, TX (Zone 8b) | June 2004 | positive

A beautiful, easy wildflower for your meadow planting. Self-sows and can be a bit invasive in my Austin garden. I used to fight it, but...Read More

A
Voca, TX | April 2004 | positive

Grows wild on Highway 71 between Brady and Voca.

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Garden Mantis
(Orthodera ministralis)
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(Agelaius phoeniceus)
Featured
Garden Mantis
(Orthodera ministralis)
Red-winged Blackbird
(Agelaius phoeniceus)