How much sun does Coast larkspur need?

Coast larkspur grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Coast larkspur bloom?

Coast larkspur blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Coast larkspur native?

Coast larkspur (Delphinium decorum) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Coast larkspur toxic to dogs?

Yes. Coast 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 Coast larkspur toxic to cats?

Yes. Coast 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 Coast larkspur attract?

Coast larkspur draws bees and hummingbirds.

Coast larkspur

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Delphinium decorum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Coast larkspur (Delphinium decorum) is a perennial forb native to CA, OR. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bees and hummingbirds.

Coast 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.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–20" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Northwestern Forested Mountains

Low perennial with deeply lobed leaves and short spikes of deep blue-purple spurred flowers in spring, growing on grassy coastal bluffs and open slopes. Foliage dies back and the plant goes dormant by summer.

Growing Coast larkspur

Grow Coast larkspur in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 20 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Spring flowers attract bumble bees and are visited by hummingbirds for nectar.

Common questions

How much sun does Coast larkspur need?: Coast larkspur grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Coast larkspur bloom?: Coast larkspur blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Coast larkspur native?: Coast larkspur (Delphinium decorum) is native to CA, OR, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Coast larkspur toxic to dogs?: Yes. Coast 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 Coast larkspur toxic to cats?: Yes. Coast 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 Coast larkspur attract?: Coast 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.

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