Low Larkspur
Delphinium bicolor
Last reviewed: June 2026
Low 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
part sun
Water
low
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
ID, MT, ND, NE and 2 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
Low larkspur is a compact native perennial that produces spikes of blue to purple flowers in late spring and early summer. This drought-tolerant wildflower grows in neat clumps and goes dormant in summer heat, returning each spring from its deep taproot.
In an HOA neighborhood
Low 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.
- Goes completely dormant and disappears by midsummer
- All parts are highly toxic to humans and livestock
- Can look weedy or unkempt to traditional gardeners
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract bees and hummingbirds during the spring and early summer blooming period. Native bees particularly benefit from this early-season nectar source.
Common questions
- How much sun does Low Larkspur need?
- Low Larkspur grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Low Larkspur bloom?
- Low Larkspur blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Low Larkspur native?
- Low Larkspur (Delphinium bicolor) is native to ID, MT, ND, NE and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Low Larkspur toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Low 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 Low Larkspur toxic to cats?
- Yes. Low 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 Low Larkspur attract?
- Low Larkspur draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Low Larkspur HOA-friendly?
- Low 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.
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