[Illustration: Delphinium amabile
D. scaposum]
Common names: LARKSPUR, WILD-DELPHINIUM
Arizona desert: (_Delphinium scaposum_). Royal blue. March-May.
California desert: (_Delphinium parishi_) Sky blue. Spring.
Texas desert: (_Delphinium carolinianum_). Blue. Spring.
Crowfoot family. Size: Up to 2 feet in height.
Desert Larkspurs are low-growing, spring or early summer-flowering in
habit, often occurring in colonies, and frequently intermingle with
other spring flowers thereby adding their blue to the colorful tapestry
of ground cover. They are readily recognized because of their
resemblance to the cultivated varieties called Delphiniums, and because
of the tubular extension or “spur.” _D. amabile_ is the most
drought-resistant of all southwestern species and may blossom in the
desert as early as February.
Because they contain delphinine and other toxic alkaloids, Larkspurs are
poisonous to livestock, particularly sheep. On the desert, the plants
are small and bear few but beautiful blossoms. They prefer open,
gravelly soil.
It is reported that the Hopi Indians grind Larkspur blossoms with corn
to produce blue meal.