Carolina Larkspur
Delphinium carolinianum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carolina Larkspur is a native wildflower found across the central and southeastern United States, producing spikes of blue flowers from May through July. This drought-tolerant forb thrives in full sun and attracts bees and butterflies.
Carolina 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.
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.
Growing Carolina Larkspur
Grow Carolina Larkspur in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- When does Carolina Larkspur bloom?
- Carolina Larkspur blooms from May through July, producing distinctive blue flower spikes.
- Where is Carolina Larkspur native?
- This species is native to 24 states across the central and southeastern United States, from Minnesota and North Dakota south to Texas and Florida.
- What pollinators visit Carolina Larkspur?
- Carolina Larkspur attracts bees and butterflies, which are important pollinators for this native wildflower.
- What growing conditions does Carolina Larkspur prefer?
- This plant thrives in full sun to partial sun with low to moderate water requirements, making it well-suited for drought-tolerant gardens.
- Is Carolina Larkspur toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Carolina 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 Carolina Larkspur toxic to cats?
- Yes. Carolina 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 Carolina Larkspur HOA-friendly?
- Carolina 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 Carolina Larkspur and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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