Delphinium carolinianum

Common Names

Carolina Larkspur, Prairie Larkspur, Blue Larkspur, Wild Larkspur

Summary

Carolina larkspur is a herbaceous perennial native to central and eastern North America that forms an upright, clump-forming habit 1–3 ft tall with basal and cauline leaves palmately divided. It bears a narrow terminal raceme of blue to blue-violet flowers, occasionally white, each with a long nectar spur; the plant grows in dry prairies, rocky glades, and open woods, preferring full sun to part shade and well-drained soils (tolerant of alkaline conditions). It blooms in spring to early summer (May–July), is winter-hardy to USDA Zone 4, may self-seed, and is pollinator-friendly, attracting bumblebees, Ruby-throated hummingbirds, and butterflies; all parts are toxic if ingested.

Cultivation and uses: Prefers well-drained loamy or sandy soil with full sun to partial shade, and should be watered at the base to avoid wetting foliage; may require staking and deadheading. Propagation occurs by seeds (fall or early spring) or division (spring), and the plant can self-seed in suitable conditions. Commonly used in native wildflower gardens and borders for its blue flower spikes that attract pollinators. Caution: plant is poisonous if ingested.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

1-3 feet

Spread

9 inches to 2 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun to partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy to sandy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

6.0-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Gray/Silver Green, Green, grayish-green, whitish green to green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate; about 1–3 ft per year.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Division, Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Bees: Yes, Hummingbirds: Yes, Butterflies: Yes