Minnesota Wildflowers


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Delphinium carolinianum (Carolina Larkspur)

Plant Info
Also known as: Prairie Larkspur
Genus:Delphinium
Family:Ranunculaceae (Buttercup)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:sun; dry prairies and woods
Bloom season:June - July
Plant height:1 to 3 feet
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: irregular raceme

[photo of flowers] A sparsely arranged spike of irregular-shaped flowers with a spur at the back. Individual flowers are about ¾ inch wide with 5 uneven petals; each petal usually has a dark smudge in the middle (looks polka-dotted) and is white or blue. The lower petals are “bearded” (see photo below). There are many stamens with brownish tips that may be curled up inside the flower.

Leaves and stem: alternate palmate

[photo of leaves] Palmately compound leaves, about 3 inches across, are deeply divided into several narrow segments. The leaf stem may be several inches long. The main stem is a brownish color and covered in fine hairs; it is velvety to the touch. Leaf attachment is alternate, and they are often widely spaced apart on the main stem.

Where to buy native seed and plants

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  • Shop for native seeds and plants at PrairieMoon.com!
  • Out Back Nursery and Landscaping - Where Ecology and Horticulture Unite
  • Shooting Star Native Seeds - Native Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seeds
  • Prairie Restorations - Bringing people together with the land

Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Long Lake Regional Park, New Brighton, MN, June 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Mary K in Cedar
on: 2009-07-20 13:01:53

I noticed the rosette of leaves this spring in my flower garden. I was curious to see what it was, so I kept an eye on it. It came into bloom about a week ago, and I had never seen it before, and thought it must be related to the delphinium. I checked this site, and ound it to be the Carolina Larkspur. How lovely. It is starting to make seed pods.

Posted by: Lynnette in SE Dakota County, Ravenna Township
on: 2011-08-15 15:56:46

Saw some bloom here July 2009 - http://www.flickr.com/photos/lynnette_henderson/3684858934/in/set-72157605916936250

Posted by: Kylene in Chippewa County
on: 2011-10-05 10:16:09

Observed about a dozen plants of the Prairie Larkspur in the middle of June 2011 in Chippewa County

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