Delphinium nudicaule - Red Larkspur

Family:	Ranunculaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.3
Width:	0.25
Synonyms:
Range:	South-western N. America - California.

Delphinium nudicaule (Red Larkspur) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.3m and a width of 0.25m . It has a hardness rating of 8.
Red Larkspur will flower in December to February. The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Red Larkspur will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is / is important for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Red Larkspur prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Red Larkspur should not be planted in shady areas.

Dry slopes among shrubs and in woods, below 2150 metres[71].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Can be planted in Cultivated Beds

Cultivation Details

Prefers a rich well-drained soil[111, 200]. Dislikes water-logged soils[200]. Requires an open sunny position[188]. Plants can flower in their first year from spring-sown seed, they are reliably perennial in their native environment, but often die overwinter in most parts of Britain[200]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. Slugs and snails are very attracted to this plant[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 0/5
None known

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 1/5
The root is considered by some native North American Indians to be highly narcotic[213, 257].

• Narcotic - Relieves pain, induces drowsiness and gives a sense of well-being.

Propagation

Seed - sow March/April in a cold frame or May outdoors[111]. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place[175]. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c[200]. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination[175]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c[175]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Cuttings of basal shoots in April/May, taken before they become hollow at the base, and planted in a cold frame[111]. Division in spring[111] or early autumn[200].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are toxic[172]. The plant is most toxic when it is young[200].

Other Uses

A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[207]. An ink can be made from the dye[207]. A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves[172]. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

A California Flora.
Munz.
Author: Munz.
Rating:
Publisher : An excellent flora but no pictures. Not for the casual reader.
Date of Publication : 1959

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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