Field ManualAll plants

Larkspur
Delphinium
Family: Ranunculaceae
- Tall Spike Flower
- Cottage Garden Classic
Pet & Human Safety
People: Not researchedPets: Toxic to pets
People: not researched yet.
Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses per ASPCA: toxic principle is diterpene alkaloids, affecting flowers, leaves, seeds, and stems (essentially the whole plant). Clinical signs include neuromuscular paralysis: constipation, colic, increased salivation, muscle tremors, stiffness, weakness, recumbency, and convulsions; cardiac failure and death from respiratory paralysis are possible in severe cases. ASPCA notes the plant generally becomes less toxic as it matures, and that horses typically don't eat toxic amounts unless suitable forage is lacking: but this is one of the more seriously toxic common flowering plants, and NC State Extension independently confirms toxicity to dogs, cats, and horses with specific named alkaloids (delphinine, ajacine, and others).
PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.
Poison control
If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.
Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.
Naturalist Lore
Historical Background & Breeding Lore
The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.
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- Hardiness zones
3a - 9b (NC State Extension)
- Mature size
Can be grown in spaces less than 12 in wide, though flower spikes rise well above the foliage clump.
- Where it comes from
Eastern and northern Asia, with related species also native to Europe, Africa, and North and Central America
How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.
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Botanical Anatomy & Characteristics
How the flowers and leaves are built and which pollinators visit, where we have them.
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Field Doctor
What can go wrong with this plant and what to do about it, where we have them.
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Vintage Plates
Old botanical drawings from public libraries are in the app, for plants where we have them.
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