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Prairie Larkspur
Delphinium virescens

a.k.a. Carolina Larkspur, Delphinium carolinianum

Prairie Larkspur thrives in sun and medium to dry soil. A good plant for rock gardens and prairie restorations. Toxic to mammals, but a favorite for bumblebees.

USDA symbol: DECA3

General Information

Plant TypeForb
Height2 to 4 feet
Light ExposureSun
Soil MoistureDry
Bloom ColorWhite
Prairie Larkspur (Prairie Larkspur<div><em class="small">Delphinium virescens</em></div>)
Photo credit: United States Department of Agriculture (Click to enlarge)

Tolerances

Flooding / Inundation ToleranceLow
General Resilience5
Salt ToleranceUnknown

Pollinator Value: High

Bloom MonthsJune to August
Pollinator BenefitInsect Pollinated, Provides Nectar

Project Planning

Project TypeErosion Control, Restoration, Upland Buffer
Coefficient of Conservatism7
Herbivore SensitivityLow
LifespanPerennial
Rate of SpreadSlow
Soil StabilizationShallow
Vegetative ReproductionClonal

Range

CountyAnoka, Becker, Benton, Big Stone, Blue Earth, Brown, Cass, Chippewa, Chisago, Clay, Cottonwood, Crow Wing, Dakota, Douglas, Faribault, Goodhue, Hennepin, Hubbard, Isanti, Jackson, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Le Sueur, Lincoln, Lyon, Mahnomen, Martin, McLeod, Meeker, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Mower, Murray, Nicollet, Nobles, Norman, Olmsted, Otter Tail, Pipestone, Polk, Pope, Ramsey, Redwood, Renville, Rice, Rock, Scott, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wabasha, Wadena, Waseca, Washington, Watonwan, Wilkin, Winona, Wright, Yellow Medicine
EcoregionDriftless Area, Lake Agassiz Plain, North Central Hardwood Forests, Northern Glaciated Plains, Northern Lakes and Forests, Western Cornbelt Plains
Approximate Eco ProvinceEastern Broadleaf Forest, Laurentian Mixed Forest, Prairie Parkland, Tallgrass Aspen Parklands