Delphinium menziesii

Common Names

Menzies' Larkspur, Menzies Larkspur

Summary

Delphinium menziesii is a perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae family native to western North America, from British Columbia to California, occurring in coastal bluffs, prairies, moist meadows, and forest openings at moderate elevations. It has upright stems roughly 0.3–0.7 m tall, palmately divided leaves, and inflorescences that are racemes of 3–20 blue to purple flowers with a long spur; the plant grows from tuberous roots and forms a striking vertical display when in bloom.

Preferring full sun to partial shade and well-drained, evenly moist soil, Delphinium menziesii tolerates a range of textures and benefits from regular watering. Propagation is by seed (sown in spring or outdoors) or by cuttings of basal shoots or division in spring or early autumn; seeds have limited viability with germination typically 2–9 weeks at 15°C. Hardy to USDA zones 3–7. All parts are poisonous if ingested; historically used by First Nations as a poultice on sores, leaves yield a parasiticide, and flowers can provide a blue dye; in ornamental plantings it serves as a striking nectar source for pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and bumblebees.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

18-20 inches

Spread

6-12 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4a-7b

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Rich, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Rich, well-drained soil; prefers mesic to dry conditions

Soil pH

Tolerant of mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils.

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Green, Mid Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Not specified in sources

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds