Foothill larkspur facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Foothill larkspur |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Delphinium
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| Species: |
hesperium
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Delphinium hesperium is a beautiful wild flower often called the foothill larkspur. It also goes by names like western larkspur or coastal larkspur. This plant is special because it only grows in California. You can find it in woodlands and grasslands in the northern part of the state.
Contents
Discovering the Foothill Larkspur
What Does It Look Like?
The foothill larkspur usually grows about one half to one meter tall. That's like half the height of a grown-up! Its leaves are mostly found near the bottom of the plant. They are deeply cut and have clear veins, making them look interesting.
Amazing Flowers
This plant produces many flowers. A single plant can have just a few or more than 100 flowers! Each flower sits on a long, thick stem called a pedicel. The flowers are usually a bright blue or purple. Sometimes, you might see them in lighter pink or white shades. Often, the outer leaf-like parts, called sepals, are dark. The true petals inside are usually lighter. Each flower has a spur, which is a small, hollow part about one to two centimeters long.
Different Types of Foothill Larkspur
There are three main types, or subspecies, of this plant. They are all a bit different and grow in specific places.
Cuyamaca Larkspur
The Cuyamaca larkspur (ssp. cuyamacae) grows in the Peninsular Ranges. You can find it near Cuyamaca Lake and possibly Palomar Mountain in San Diego County.
North Coast Larkspur
The ssp. hesperium type is found in the North Coast Ranges. This is the most common type.
Pale-Flowered Western Larkspur
The pale-flowered western larkspur (ssp. pallescens) is another type. It grows in the Coast Ranges. This subspecies is special because its sepals, which are usually dark, can be white, pink, or light blue.
