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Dana, Michael
Delphinium carolinianum ssp. virescens (Nutt.) Brooks
Carolina larkspur, Prairie larkspur, Plains larkspur
Synonyms: Delphinium virescens
USDA Symbol: DECAV2
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Prairie larkspur is a slender, erect perennial, unbranched or branched near the ground to form a clump 1-3 ft. tall. A terminal spike of white, spurred flowers, tinged purple, is borne well above the mostly basal, deeply cleft leaves.
Mature plants may disappear in hot weather, reappearing when the weather has become cooler.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Blue
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AR , CO , IA , KS , MN , MO , ND , NE , OK , SD , TX , WI
Native Distribution: Alt. to WI, s. to AZ & AL
Native Habitat: Prairies; dry, open woodlands
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Various mesic to dry, limey soils.
Conditions Comments: Mature plants may disappear in hot weather, reappearing when the weather has become cooler.
Benefit
Use Medicinal: Seeds ground and soaked in alcohol to kill
head lice.
Warning: Plants of the
genus Delphinium contain toxins, and no parts of them should ever be eaten. They can be fatally poisonous to both humans and animals. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Propagation
Propagation Material: Seeds
Description: Sow fresh seeds in fall or dry stratifited seed in May. Germination may take months. Adult plants can be divided in spring.
Seed Collection: Collect seed in May.
Seed Treatment: Very slow-growing and vulnerable to damping off. Seed out in Nursery bed, rather than growing in greenhouse.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Order seed of this species from Native American Seed and help support the Wildflower Center.
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Herbarium Specimen(s)
NPSOT 0167 Collected Apr. 24, 1987 in Bexar County by Harry Cliffe
NPSOT 1081 Collected May 10, 1996 in Guadalupe County by Elizabeth W. Hughes
Recommended Species Lists
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Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-11-27
Research By: TWC Staff
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