Coastal Larkspur
Delphinium decorum
- Native to:
- United States
iNaturalist: © leptonia (iNaturalist #2889194)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Delphinium
- Species:
- Delphinium decorum
- USDA Symbol:
- DEDE
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Geophyte
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple, violet
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers open, sunny locations in native range
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination. Cool temperatures (55-65°F) improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Soak seeds overnight in fresh water. Moisten peat or perlite. Mix seeds with an equal amount of peat or perlite and place in new freezer bags.
Establishment: Seeds are collected between April 1st and June 1st. Mature follicles are brown. Seed is black and 1 mm long at maturity. D. decorum is found on open grassy slopes below 2000 feet elevation near the coast, from Mendocino County to Santa Cruz County, California.
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 4C for 3 weeks, then place @ 20C.