Tall Larkspur (Delphinium trolliifolium) Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae)

This plant likes to grow in grassy bluffs, vernal grasslands, meadows, from lowlands to lower mountain slopes. Out at the arboretum I see it thriving in moist, moderately shaded forested areas and stream banks. There are some beautiful patches out in the wetlands area and along the river bank trail. Look for them to start blooming in April. That is when these photos were taken.

Leaves

Pojar and MacKinnon describe the leaves as the main leaf blades are palmately 2 or 3 times divided into narrowly oblong to wedge-shaped segments. For me, this is a tough description to visualize. A picture is worth a thousand words.

Flower

As they are beginning to form, the flowers are a pale light green. As they mature they turn, a deep blue to violet. There are 5 sepals that are petal-like, and the upper one is a long nectar-bearing spur behind that creates a shape that resembles wizard’s hat. Flowers grow in an open terminal cluster.

Pollinators

Larkspur blanket the landscape of the wetlands area at Mt. Pisgah. In the spring, there are always bumblebees and hummingbirds visiting the plants for food and helping pollinate flowers.

Seeds

Pojar and MacKinnon describe the seeds as narrowly flanged on the angles. To me they look like small black satchels topped with a white trim that has been slightly cinched to keep its mysterious contents secure. I also imagine an old cast iron drinking vessel containing a fermented beverage that is brimming with froth.

Quick Reference:

Height: 1.5 - 5’
Leaves: Palmately 2 or 3 times divided into narrowly oblong to wedge-shaped segments.
Flowers: Deep blue to purplish with some white or pale blue; long nectar-bearing spur behind.
Habitat: Grow in moist, moderately shaded forested areas and stream banks.

Journal Location:
Mt. Pisgah Arboretum, Eugene, OR
Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Website
Mt. Pisgah Arboretum Plant List

References

Mathews, Daniel. Cascade-Olympic Natural History. Raven Editions in conjunction with Portland Audubon Society, 1988.
Pojar, Jim, and Andy MacKinnon. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Alaska (Revised). B.C. Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing, 1994.