Contents
Description
Delphinium Cassius, also known as Dwarf Larkspur, is a perennial flowering plant belonging to the Ranunculaceae family. It is native to North America and grows in the wild in prairies, meadows, and open woods. The plant has a short stature, growing up to 18 inches tall, and produces delicate blue-purple flowers with white centers in the spring.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Delphinium |
Appearance
The Delphinium Cassius plant has a short and bushy growth habit, with multiple stems arising from a central root system. The leaves are deeply lobed and finely divided, with a bluish-green color that contrasts nicely with the flowers. The flowers themselves are arranged in long, narrow spikes that can reach up to 8 inches in length. Each individual flower has five petals, with the top two forming a distinctive spur that gives the plant its common name of Larkspur.
Care Guide
Delphinium Cassius prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Water regularly during the growing season, but avoid getting the foliage wet as this can lead to fungal diseases. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, and again in mid-summer with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooming. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Dwarf Larkspur is relatively resistant to pests and diseases but can be susceptible to aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. To prevent these problems, maintain good air circulation around the plant, avoid overhead watering, and monitor regularly for signs of infestation.
Habitat
Delphinium Cassius is native to North America and can be found growing in the wild in prairies, meadows, and open woods. It prefers well-draining soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Delphinium Cassius be grown in containers?
A: Yes, it can be grown in containers as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives adequate sunlight.
Q: How often should Delphinium Cassius be fertilized?
A: Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer, and again in mid-summer with a high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote blooming.
Q: Is Delphinium Cassius poisonous to pets?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and flowers, are toxic if ingested by pets or humans.
Q: How long does Delphinium Cassius typically bloom for?
A: The plant typically blooms in the spring for 4-6 weeks.
Related Plants
- Delphinium elatum (Bee Larkspur)
- Delphinium grandiflorum (Chinese Delphinium)
- Delphinium nudicaule (Red Larkspur)
- Delphinium tricorne (Dwarf Larkspur)
References
- “Delphinium Cassius.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b774.
- “Dwarf Larkspur.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=DECA10.
- “Delphinium Cassius.” North Carolina State University, plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/delphinium-cassius/.
