Brown'S Larkspur
Delphinium glaucum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Brown'S Larkspur is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Brown'S Larkspur is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a severe level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–60" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, hummingbirds
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Tall larkspur is a striking native perennial that produces dramatic spikes of blue to purple flowers on stems that can reach 5 feet tall. This robust wildflower thrives in partial sun with moderate moisture and provides excellent vertical interest in the garden. The plant goes dormant in winter, leaving behind sturdy dried stems.
In an HOA neighborhood
Brown'S Larkspur takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Very tall growth can appear wild and unstructured
- Dormant season leaves bare stems that look unkempt
- Natural wildflower appearance conflicts with formal landscaping
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during the long summer blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar resources for pollinators throughout the growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Brown'S Larkspur need?
- Brown'S Larkspur grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Brown'S Larkspur bloom?
- Brown'S Larkspur blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Brown'S Larkspur native?
- Brown'S Larkspur (Delphinium glaucum) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Brown'S Larkspur toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Brown'S Larkspur is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Brown'S Larkspur toxic to cats?
- Yes. Brown'S Larkspur is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Brown'S Larkspur toxic to livestock?
- Brown'S Larkspur is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (severe severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Brown'S Larkspur attract?
- Brown'S Larkspur draws bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Is Brown'S Larkspur HOA-friendly?
- Brown'S Larkspur takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Brown'S Larkspur and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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