California larkspur
Delphinium californicum
Last reviewed: September 2026
California larkspur (Delphinium californicum) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.
California larkspur is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 and your veterinarian's emergency line.
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Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 18"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
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A tall perennial with deeply lobed leaves and long spikes of cream to white spurred flowers in early summer. Found in moist shaded woodlands and along streambanks.
Growing California larkspur
Grow California larkspur in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 18 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Spurred flowers attract hummingbirds and long-tongued bees seeking nectar.
Common questions
- How much sun does California larkspur need?
- California larkspur grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does California larkspur bloom?
- California larkspur blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is California larkspur native?
- California larkspur (Delphinium californicum) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is California larkspur toxic to dogs?
- Yes. California 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 California larkspur toxic to cats?
- Yes. California 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.
- What pollinators does California larkspur attract?
- California larkspur draws bees and hummingbirds.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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