Menzies' Larkspur
Delphinium menziesii
- Native to:
- Canada, United States
iNaturalist: © stevehampton (iNaturalist #215352243)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Delphinium
- Species:
- Delphinium menziesii
- USDA Symbol:
- DEME
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)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: White-shouldered bumble bee (Bombus appositus), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bumblebees, hummingbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers cool climates, avoid waterlogged conditions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require light for germination; sow on surface and cold stratify. Germination can be erratic.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
Pre-treatment: Weeds were sown into cone-tainers filled with Sunshine # 1 ( a soil-less peat-based media) amended with micro-nutrients (Micromax) and a slow-release fertilizer (Osmocote 14-14-14)
Source: npn.rngr.net
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20°C. Seed germinates within 3 months * seed has limited viability, store @ 3°C, temperature above 15°C inhibits germination