Carolina Larkspur
Delphinium carolinianum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carolina Larkspur is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CO, FL and 18 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Carolina larkspur is a native wildflower that produces tall spikes of blue to purple flowers from May through July. This drought-tolerant perennial grows 1-3 feet tall and dies back to the ground each winter, returning reliably each spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Carolina Larkspur takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks weedy when dormant
- Wild appearance may not meet formal standards
- All parts of plant are toxic
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are especially attractive to bees and butterflies during the late spring and early summer blooming period.
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 Carolina Larkspur and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.