How to identify Larkspurs (Delphinium)

Photo By Liam O'Brien , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original

How to identify Larkspurs (Delphinium)

Larkspurs typically showcase tall, vertical growth, with heights ranging from 2 to 6 feet (60-180 cm). Their stems are often hollow, supporting sparse, deeply-lobed leaves. The most striking feature is their dense spikes of colorful flowers, each adorned with five petal-like sepals and a central spur, giving them a striking, dolphin-like appearance. The blooms cover a spectrum from white and pink to blue and purple, towering above the foliage in the peak of their blooming season.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Larkspurs

Tall growth, 2-6 feet (60-180 cm), with hollow stems and deeply-lobed leaves.

Colorful flowers in spikes, with sepals and central spur, resembling dolphins.

Fruit is elongated follicles, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm), releasing dark seeds.

Alternate, lobed leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, palmately divided.

Flowers bloom May to mid-Summer, blue to purple, with single distinctive spur.

Detailed Traits of Larkspurs

Leaf Features

Larkspurs leaves are alternate and long-stalked, typically reaching lengths of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm). They are palmately divided or lobed, resembling an open hand with spread fingers. The leaves possess a vibrant green color, with a smooth texture on the upper surface and a slightly hairy underside. The vein pattern is palmate, radiating from the base of the leaf. These distinctive features aid in the identification of larkspurs.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

Larkspurs flowers bloom from May to mid-Summer in terminal, elongated clusters. The blossoms showcase a color palette ranging from blue to purple, and occasionally near-white. Each flower features a distinctive single spur on the back side. The flowers can reach up to 1 foot (30 cm) in length and have a delicate yet vibrant appearance that is typical of their species. The nuanced coloration and unique spurs make them easily recognizable to enthusiasts.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of larkspurs is a dry, elongated structure known as a follicle that houses numerous small seeds. Typically, these fruits form in a cluster, with each slender follicle measuring approximately 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in length. Upon maturity, the follicles split open along one side, releasing the tiny, dark-colored seeds. The texture of these fruits is smooth, and they are often a muted shade, closely matching the plant's foliage. Such fruit clusters offer a distinguishing characteristic that persists even after the plant's flowering period has ceased.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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