Coastal larkspur facts for kids

Delphinium decorum is a type of beautiful wild flower. People often call it the coastal larkspur or yellowtinge larkspur. It belongs to a group of plants called larkspurs.

This special wild flower only grows in California. When a plant or animal only lives in one place, we say it is endemic there. You can find it on hillsides along the coast, especially around the San Francisco Bay Area and areas north of it.

About the Coastal Larkspur

The coastal larkspur is a unique plant found only in California. It's known for its bright blue or purple flowers. This plant adds a splash of color to the hillsides where it grows.

Where Does It Grow?

The coastal larkspur loves to grow in specific places.

• It is found only in the state of California.
• You can spot it on the slopes of coastal mountains.
• It often grows in the San Francisco Bay Area and places north of there.
• This plant is a true Californian native!

What Does It Look Like?

The coastal larkspur has several interesting features.

Its Stem

The plant grows a stem that stands straight up. This stem can reach about half a meter (about 20 inches) tall. It's usually quite thin.

Its Leaves

Most of the plant's leaves grow near its base. Each leaf is divided into many narrow, finger-like sections. They look quite delicate.

Its Flowers

The thin stem holds between two and twenty flowers. These flowers are usually spaced out along the stem. Each flower sits on its own small stalk, called a pedicel, which can be several centimeters long.

The flowers have five long, flat parts called sepals. These sepals spread out, making the flower look like a star. They are usually a deep blue or purple color. The petals inside are similar in color. However, the top two petals might be lighter, sometimes even almost white. A very thin part, called a spur, sticks out from the back of the flower. This spur can be nearly two centimeters long.