Royal larkspur
Delphinium variegatum
Last reviewed: September 2026
Royal larkspur (Delphinium variegatum) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bumble bees and hummingbirds.
Royal 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"–24" H × 8"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bumble bees, hummingbirds
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A perennial forb with deeply lobed leaves and a spike of large, deep blue-purple flowers with a prominent spur, blooming in early spring before going dormant for summer. Grows in grassland and open oak woodland on clay soils.
Growing Royal larkspur
Grow Royal larkspur in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The nectar-rich, spurred flowers attract bumble bees and occasionally hummingbirds during the brief early spring bloom window.
Common questions
- How much sun does Royal larkspur need?
- Royal larkspur grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Royal larkspur bloom?
- Royal larkspur blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Royal larkspur native?
- Royal larkspur (Delphinium variegatum) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Royal larkspur toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Royal 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 Royal larkspur toxic to cats?
- Yes. Royal 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 Royal larkspur attract?
- Royal larkspur draws bumble bees and hummingbirds.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Royal larkspur and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.