# upland larkspur (*Delphinium nuttallianum*) Upland larkspur is a beautiful flower that grows in the mountains. It has bright blue petals that look like little stars in the grass. These flowers are loved by bees and butterflies! - **Category:** [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/plant) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Mountain regions ![upland larkspur](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Delphinium_nuttallianum_9179.JPG&width=800) Photo: Walter Siegmund (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Delphinium_nuttallianum_9179.JPG) ## Appearance The upland larkspur has striking blue-purple flowers arranged on tall stalks. Each flower features a distinctive rear spur, making it easily identifiable from similar wildflowers. Its delicate petals bring a vibrant splash of color to mountain meadows. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Plantae - **Phylum:** Tracheophyta - **Class:** Magnoliopsida - **Order:** Ranunculales - **Family:** Ranunculaceae - **Genus:** Delphinium ## Interesting facts - Bumblebees with extra long tongues are the best at reaching this flower's sweet nectar! - Its name, 'larkspur,' comes from the flower's spur resembling a bird's claw! - Many wildflowers avoid eating it, but sometimes deer nibble on young sprouts! - Some Native American tribes once used larkspur extracts for medicinal purposes! ## Special abilities - **Toxic Shield:** Upland larkspur has toxic compounds that help it defend against hungry animals trying to eat its leaves and flowers. - **Pollinator Beacon:** Upland larkspur has uniquely shaped, spurred flowers that help attract specific long-tongued bumblebees for perfect pollination. - **Deep Drinker:** Upland larkspur can grow deep roots that help it survive in dry, rocky mountain soils where other plants struggle. ## Measurements & details - **Height:** 15-60 cm - **Spread:** 10-30 cm - **Flower Size:** 2-4 cm - **Bloom Season:** Spring to Early Summer - **Edible:** No - **Toxicity:** High - **Lifecycle:** Perennial - **Pollination Method:** Insect ## Ecological connections - **Pollinates:** Western Bumblebee (*Bombus occidentalis*) — Collects nectar and pollen from its flowers. - **Eaten by:** [Mule Deer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/mule-deer) (*Odocoileus hemionus*) — Occasionally browses young plants, despite toxicity. - **Eaten by:** [Elk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/elk) (*Cervus canadensis*) — Can graze on larkspur, especially young plants. ## Traits - [Flowering](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/flowering): Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle. - [Spring Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spring-blooming): Spring blooming plants produce their flowers during the spring season, often signifying the end of winter and the start of new growth. - [Summer Blooming](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/summer-blooming): Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished. - [Fragrant Flower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/fragrant-flower): Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Mountain](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/mountain): This habitat trait identifies species found in mountainous regions, characterized by high elevation, steep slopes, and varying climate zones. ## Collections - [Plants](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/plants) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or eat any wildflowers without asking an adult. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify upland larkspur? Start with the whole plant, then compare leaf arrangement, leaf edges, stems and any flowers or fruit. Opposite leaves grow in pairs; alternate leaves come one at a time along the stem. These details tell you far more together than a single green leaf does. Plant Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How tall is upland larkspur? 15-60 cm ### How wide does upland larkspur spread? 10-30 cm ### How big are the flowers on upland larkspur? 2-4 cm ### When does upland larkspur bloom? Spring to Early Summer ### Is upland larkspur edible? No ### Is upland larkspur toxic? High ### What is upland larkspur's lifecycle? Perennial ## Where to spot - [Betty Ford Alpine Gardens](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/betty-ford-alpine-gardens) — Colorado, US · Botanical Garden - [Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/cumbres-and-toltec-scenic-railroad) — New Mexico, US · Historic District - [Fall River Entrance Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fall-river-entrance-historic-district) — Colorado, US · Historic District - [Rocky Mountain National Park Utility Area Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/rocky-mountain-national-park-utility-area-historic-district) — Colorado, US · Historic District - [White Lake Grasslands Protected Area](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/white-lake-grasslands-protected-area) — British Columbia, CA · Nature Reserve - [Stemwinder Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/stemwinder-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park [View all places to see upland larkspur](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/upland-larkspur) ## More Plants - [white snakeroot](https://www.snappit.app/explore/white-snakeroot) (*Ageratina altissima*) - [tree-of-heaven](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tree-of-heaven) (*Ailanthus altissima*) - [western sword fern](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-sword-fern) (*Polystichum munitum*) - [common milkweed](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-milkweed) (*Asclepias syriaca*) --- Source: [Upland Larkspur: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/upland-larkspur)