Delphinium hesperium is a species of larkspur known by the common name foothill larkspur. It is also sometimes called western larkspur and coastal larkspur, but these names are less specific since other species share them. It is endemic to California, where it grows in woodland and grassland in the northern half of the state. This wildflower generally reaches one-half to one meter (1 ft 8 in to 3 ft 3 in) in height. It has deeply lobed, prominently veined leaves, mostly located near the base of the plant. The inflorescence may hold very few to over 100 flowers, each on a long, thick pedicel. The flowers are usually a brilliant blue or purple, and sometimes lighter pinkish to white.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
Toxic. The note covers its whole genus. Larkspur; diterpenoid alkaloids, young plants and seeds especially Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Delphinium parryi — toxic
- Delphinium variegatum — toxic
- Delphinium umbraculorum — toxic
- Delphinium uliginosum — toxic
- Delphinium pentagynum — toxic
- Delphinium hansenii — toxic
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Ranunculales
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus
- Delphinium
- Species
- Delphinium hesperium
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