Contents
Description
Delphinium glaucum, commonly known as the Sierra larkspur, is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family Ranunculaceae. It is native to the Sierra Nevada and surrounding mountains in California, where it can be found growing in meadows and open forests. The plant typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and produces long, slender stems with delicate blue-purple flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ranunculales |
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus | Delphinium |
| Species | Delphinium glaucum |
Appearance
Delphinium glaucum has a distinctive appearance with long, slender stems that can grow up to 3 feet tall. The plant produces large, showy flowers that range in color from deep blue to purple. The leaves of the plant are deeply lobed and have a bluish-green coloration. The flowers grow in elongated clusters that can be up to 18 inches long and are held above the foliage on tall, wiry stems. The plant blooms from late spring to early summer and attracts bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Delphinium glaucum is a relatively easy plant to care for and requires moderate watering, regular fertilization, well-draining soil, and full sun exposure. The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly during the growing season. Fertilization should be done every two to three weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Delphinium glaucum is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Delphinium glaucum is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while spider mites can be treated with a miticide. Powdery mildew can be controlled with a fungicide.
Habitat
Delphinium glaucum is native to the Sierra Nevada and surrounding mountains in California, where it can be found growing in meadows and open forests. The plant prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure.
Question and Answer
Q: How tall does Delphinium glaucum grow?
A: Delphinium glaucum typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet.
Q: What color are the flowers of Delphinium glaucum?
A: The flowers of Delphinium glaucum range in color from deep blue to purple.
Q: What pests are common on Delphinium glaucum?
A: Aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew are common pests on Delphinium glaucum.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Delphinium glaucum?
A: Delphinium glaucum is hardy in USDA hardiness zones 6-9.
Related Plants
- Delphinium elatum
- Delphinium grandiflorum
- Delphinium nudicaule
- Delphinium tricorne
References
- “Delphinium glaucum.” USDA Forest Service, https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/delphinium_glaucum.shtml
- “Delphinium glaucum (Sierra Larkspur).” California Native Plant Society, https://www.cnps.org/gardening/gardening-resources/gardening-for-natives/plant/n/2401
- “Delphinium glaucum.” San Francisco Botanical Garden, https://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/collections/plants-in-bloom/delphinium-glaucum.html
