Subalpine Larkspur
ExplorePlants
Subalpine Larkspur
Delphinium barbeyi
The Subalpine Larkspur is a beautiful flower that grows in the mountains. Its bright blue petals look like little stars and attract many butterflies and bees.
Habitat: Mountain regions
Appearance
The Subalpine Larkspur has tall, upright stems topped with densely packed clusters of striking deep blue to purple flowers. Each flower features a distinctive backward-pointing spur, making it easily recognizable in mountain meadows, setting it apart from many other wildflowers.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRanunculalesFamilyRanunculaceaeGenusDelphinium
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
If you ever find a patch, you'll see dozens of flowers on one amazing stem!
Its bright blue flowers glow like jewels high up in the mountains!
Its unique flowers look like a bird's backward spur, giving the plant its fancy name!
Some Native American tribes used tiny parts of this plant for dye, not for eating!
Special abilities
Ability
Poison Power
Subalpine Larkspur can produce powerful toxins that help it defend against hungry animals like cattle, keeping them from eating its leaves and flowers.
Ability
Deep Root Dive
Subalpine Larkspur has long, strong roots that help it find water and nutrients deep in rocky mountain soil, even during dry spells.
Ability
Pollinator Beacon
Subalpine Larkspur has uniquely shaped blue flowers and a nectar spur that specifically attract long-tongued bumblebees to help spread its pollen.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 30-150 cm
- Spread
- 15-30 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-4 cm
- Bloom Season
- Late spring to late summer
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Deadly
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Two-form Bumblebee
Bombus bifarius
Main pollinator due to long tongue
eaten by
Cattle
Bos taurus
Can be fatally poisoned by ingesting the plant
eaten by
Domestic Sheep
Ovis aries
Highly toxic if consumed, especially young plants
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Mountain
This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or eat flowers without asking an adult, as some can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Subalpine Larkspur?
30-150 cm
How wide does Subalpine Larkspur spread?
15-30 cm
How big are the flowers on Subalpine Larkspur?
2-4 cm
When does Subalpine Larkspur bloom?
Late spring to late summer
Is Subalpine Larkspur edible?
No
Is Subalpine Larkspur toxic?
Deadly
What is Subalpine Larkspur's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Subalpine Larkspur pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
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