Ethnobotany

1. Blue Lakspur – Delphinium parryi (del-FIN-ee-um PAIR-ee-eye)
Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
Native to: Coastal CA from central CA to N. Baja; ssp. maritime – coastal scrub, grasslands &
chaparral of S. CA & Channel Islands below 300 m. elevation; ssp. parryi – chaparral & oak
woodlands at slightly higher elevations.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Herbaceous perennial from a woody root. Dies back to ground in late summer. Leaves are mostly
basal, typical for Delphinium – deeply lobed like an open hand.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms from April to May or June. Flowers on stalk held above the foliage. Flowers
range in color from intense blue through purples & magentas. Flowers showy when massed.
Uses in the garden: Most often used like non-native Delphiniums – massed in mixed beds. Needs
summer dry period, so does best with plants with similar needs. Fine under oaks and makes a nice
pot plant. Note: all parts of all Delphiniums are poisonous if eaten.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Delphiniums.
Attracts: Hummingbird, butterfly and bumblebee nectar plant.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade
Soil Well-drained is a must; plants susceptible to fungal diseases
Water Zone 1: no summer water (especially after blooming)
Fertilizer None needed
Other
Management: Plants are susceptible to fungal disease and loved by snails and slugs. Difficult to
grow unless you treat it as a Zone 1 (water zone) plant.
Propagation: from seed: yes; requires light to germinate & don’t over-water
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 8, 20 11/25/10
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