How much sun does Red larkspur need?

Red larkspur grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Red larkspur bloom?

Red larkspur blooms in March, April, May, and June.

Where is Red larkspur native?

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

Is Red larkspur toxic to dogs?

Yes. Red 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 Red larkspur toxic to cats?

Yes. Red 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 Red larkspur attract?

Red larkspur draws hummingbirds.

Red larkspur

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Delphinium nudicaule

Last reviewed: September 2026

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

Red 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

low

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR

Pollinators

hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

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

A delicate perennial with deeply cut leaves and loose sprays of bright red, spurred tubular flowers on wiry stems. It goes dormant and disappears cleanly once the summer dry season begins.

Growing Red larkspur

Grow Red larkspur in part shade and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.

Wildlife value

The tubular red flowers are shaped specifically for hummingbird pollination and are a favorite spring stop on their route.

Common questions

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

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