Delphinium exaltatum / Tall Larkspur (Buttercup Family)

This tall, rich blue to purple wildflower is a perfect woodland edge plant. Its late summer blooms provide plenty of nectar for all the migrating butterflies and hummingbirds. Prefers to have richer soil, but should be OK in average soil as long as it drains well. It is rhizomatous, so will spread over time, but is not overly aggressive. Plant with Anise Goldenrod, Thimbleweed, or Cherokee Sedge.

Blooms: Purple, 4-5 weeks, July-Sept.
Leaves: Bushy, lobed leaves get smaller as they go up the stem
Height: 3-5’
Space: 18-24”
Soil: Average-Moist
Exposure: Part sun-Part shade
Fauna: Hummingbird and butterfly favorite
Seeds: 3-4” skinny, green pods filled with brown pellet-like seeds
Deer Resistance:High
Zone: 4-8
Native Status: NC native, rare in the Piedmont and Mountains
Provenance: Unknown, seed grown