Carolina Larkspur (Delphinium carolinianum): white Minnesota wildflowers

Carolina Larkspur

Plant Info
Also known as:	Prairie Larkspur
Scientific name:	Delphinium carolinianum
Family:	Buttercup (Ranunculaceae)
Life cycle:	perennial
Origin:	native
Habitat:	sun; dry prairies and woods
Bloom season:	late spring, summer
Plant height:	1 to 3 feet
USDA PLANTS database:	Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:	Long Lake Regional Park

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Flower:: 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 stamen with brownish tips that may be curled up inside the flower.
Leaves and stem:: 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.

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

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