Delphinium Nuttallii

Description

Delphinium Nuttallii, commonly known as Nuttall’s larkspur, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to western North America, from Alaska to California and east to Montana. This plant is a perennial herb that grows up to 1.5 meters tall and has a thin stem with alternate leaves. The flowers are blue, purple, or white, with five sepals and four petals. The center of the flower has a group of yellow stamens and one pistil. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous black seeds.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Ranunculales
Family	Ranunculaceae
Genus	Delphinium
Species	Nuttallii

Appearance

The Delphinium Nuttallii plant has a tall, thin stem with alternate leaves that are deeply lobed and palmately divided. The flowers are arranged in a long, loose raceme at the top of the stem. Each flower has five sepals that are fused at the base and four petals that are often spurred. The center of the flower has a group of yellow stamens and one pistil. The flowers are blue, purple, or white and bloom from June to August. The fruit is a capsule that splits open to release numerous black seeds.

Care Guide

Delphinium Nuttallii requires well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH. It prefers full sun to partial shade and requires regular watering. The plant should be fertilized in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8 and should be mulched in the winter to protect the roots from freezing. The plant should be cut back to the ground in the fall after the first frost.

Common Pests & Diseases

The Delphinium Nuttallii plant can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Powdery mildew can be prevented by providing good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering.

Habitat

Delphinium Nuttallii is native to western North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and open forests. It prefers moist soils and can often be found near streams or other bodies of water.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Delphinium Nuttallii poisonous?

A: Yes, all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

Q: Can Delphinium Nuttallii be grown in containers?

A: Yes, as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.

Q: How do I propagate Delphinium Nuttallii?

A: The plant can be propagated by seed or division in the spring or fall.

Q: Can Delphinium Nuttallii be grown in hot climates?

A: No, the plant prefers cool temperatures and is not well-suited to hot climates.

Related Plants

• Delphinium elatum
• Delphinium grandiflorum
• Delphinium nudicaule

References

• “Delphinium Nuttallii.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=288738.
• “Nuttall’s Larkspur.” USDA Forest Service, www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/delphinium_nuttallii.shtml.
• “Delphinium Nuttallii.” Washington Native Plant Society, www.wnps.org/plants/delphinium-nuttallii.html.