• Photo by: Eleanor Dietrich, Magnolia Chapter FNPS
  • Photo by: Eleanor Dietrich, Magnolia Chapter FNPS

Delphinium carolinianum

Carolina larkspur, prairie larkspur

Nomenclature

Common Name:

Carolina larkspur, prairie larkspur

Synonym(s):

Genus species:

Delphinium carolinianum

Family:

RANUNCULACEAE

Plant Specifics

Form:

flower

Size:

3-4 (6) ft tall by 1.5-2 ft wide

Life Span:

Long-lived perennial

Flower Color:

blue, white, purple

Fruit Color:

Phenology:

Blooms in spring and goes dormant in summer.

Noted For:

Landscaping

Recommended Uses:

Wildflower gardens.

Considerations:

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Availability:

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Propagation:

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Light:

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Moisture Tolerance:

Always Flooded---------------------------------Extremely Dry

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Somewhat moist, no flooding -to- Somewhat long very dry periods

Salt Water Flooding Tolerance:

Unknown

Salt Spray/Salty Soil Tolerance:

Some tolerance to salty wind but not direct salt spray

Soil or Other Substrate:

Soil pH:

somewhat acidic to highly calcareous

Suitable to Grow In:

Ecology

Wildlife:

Pollinators, Butterflies

Native Habitats:

Prairies, rocky glades

Comments:

Ethnobotany:

This is an old southern garden favorite.

General Comments:

This species is more common in adjacent states and occurs broadly in mid-western prairies.  Its range barely makes it into Florida.  



The southern end of the range is likely determined by lack of winter cold.  The seeds germinate better with winter stratification.



Delphinium caroliniana is listed as state Endangered in Florida.  It is not commercially available in Florida.  It might best be purchased from Alabama or Georgia seed sources.