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Tall larkspur

Delphinium exultatum

Common names:
Tall larkspur, American bee larkspur

Content Detail

Native to the Eastern United States, tall larkspur tends to grow on wooded hillsides. This two to six foot plant blooms light purple in late spring to early summer on upright stems. A large, sturdy plant, tall larkspur will tolerate more shade than the garden varieties and reseeds easily when happy.

  • Family (English) Buttercup
  • Family (botanic) Ranunculaceae
  • Tree or plant type Perennial
  • Native locale North America
  • Size range Large plant (more than 24 inches)
  • Light exposure Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
  • Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
  • Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
  • Season of interest early summer, midsummer
  • Flower color and fragrance Blue, Purple
  • Shape or form Upright
  • Growth rate Moderate

Size:  Two to six feet

Native geographic location and habitat:  East central United States

Attracts birds or pollinators:  Hummingbirds, butterflies

Leaf description:  Dark green leaves have three to five well-defined lobes in a spiral arrangement.

Flower description:  Light purple flowers loosely arranged on a spike.  The flowers are up to 1″ wide and consist of five sepals, of which the uppermost one extends backward in a spur.

Fruit description:  Each flower produces three or more achenes (small, dry fruit) that contain a single seed.

Tall larkspur prefers moist, well-drained sites in part shade. Requires wind protection. Dislikes hot, humid weather.

List of pests, diseases, and tolerances: Powdery mildew, bacterial disease, root and crown rots, slugs and snails. Deer and rabbit resistant, as all parts of the plant are poisonous.

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