Twolobe Larkspur

Delphinium nuttallianum

Native to:
Canada, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ranunculaceae
Genus:
Delphinium
Species:
Delphinium nuttallianum
USDA Symbol:
DENU2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Geophyte
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun,jul
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
Butterflies & Moths:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Reported Fauna Sightings

Bees: Nevada bumble bee (Bombus nevadensis), White-shouldered bumble bee (Bombus appositus), Yellow bumble bee (Bombus fervidus), Yellow head bumble bee (Bombus flavifrons)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, butterflies
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, rocky or sandy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to open, mountainous regions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification for 4-8 weeks to break dormancy; sow in fall or after cold treatment.

Pre-treatment: Extended cold, moist stratification is needed. Seed sown in late December and left outside did not germinate the first season, but germinated well after a second winter. Seed sown outdoors in November will germinate the following spring.

Establishment: Seedlings which germinated outside died when placed in the greenhouse. The fruit is a follicle and seed is black in color when mature. Seed is collected when the follicles begin to split in June. Collected material is stored in paper bags or envelopes at room temperature until cleaned.

Source: npn.rngr.net

ORGHPS Germination Guide: Seeds should germinate at room temperature, without darkness; see http://www.delphinium.co.nz/Germination.htm

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society