How much sun does Dwarf larkspur need?

Dwarf larkspur grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Dwarf larkspur bloom?

Dwarf larkspur blooms in April and May.

Where is Dwarf larkspur native?

Dwarf larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) is native to AL, AR, DC, GA and 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Dwarf larkspur toxic to dogs?

Yes. Dwarf 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 Dwarf larkspur toxic to cats?

Yes. Dwarf 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 Dwarf larkspur attract?

Dwarf larkspur draws bumble bees.

Dwarf larkspur

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Delphinium tricorne

Last reviewed: September 2026

Dwarf larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) is a perennial forb native to AL, AR, DC, GA and 18 more states. It blooms in April and May. The flowers draw bumble bees.

Dwarf 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

part shade

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 8"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, DC, GA and 18 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Piedmont Western Corn Belt Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills

A spring ephemeral with deeply lobed leaves and a loose spike of deep blue to purple spurred flowers. Emerges, blooms, and goes fully dormant by early summer in rich deciduous woodland.

Growing Dwarf larkspur

Grow Dwarf larkspur in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Spring flowers rely on bumble bees strong enough to access the nectar spur, providing an early-season food source before most summer blooms open.

Common questions

How much sun does Dwarf larkspur need?: Dwarf larkspur grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Dwarf larkspur bloom?: Dwarf larkspur blooms in April and May.
Where is Dwarf larkspur native?: Dwarf larkspur (Delphinium tricorne) is native to AL, AR, DC, GA and 18 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Dwarf larkspur toxic to dogs?: Yes. Dwarf 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 Dwarf larkspur toxic to cats?: Yes. Dwarf 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 Dwarf larkspur attract?: Dwarf larkspur draws bumble bees.

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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