When does San Bernardino larkspur bloom?

It generally flowers from April through June, with most plants peaking in May before going dormant for the summer.

What pollinators visit Delphinium parryi?

Bees and hummingbirds are the main visitors, attracted to the tubular blue-purple flowers held on upright spikes.

How much water does this plant need?

It does best with low water once established, taking advantage of spring moisture and then drying out through summer dormancy.

What growing conditions suit San Bernardino larkspur best?

Full sun to part sun in open, well-drained soil suits it best, similar to the grassland and chaparral clearings where it grows well.

Is San Bernardino Larkspur toxic to dogs?

Yes. San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino Larkspur toxic to cats?

Yes. San Bernardino 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.

Is San Bernardino Larkspur HOA-friendly?

San Bernardino Larkspur is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

San Bernardino Larkspur

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Delphinium parryi

Last reviewed: September 2026

Delphinium parryi, San Bernardino larkspur, sends up spikes of blue-purple flowers from April through June and does well in dry, sunny grasslands and chaparral clearings with low water once established.

San Bernardino Larkspur (Delphinium parryi) — Photo: (c) Sula Vanderplank, some rights reserved (CC BY)

San Bernardino 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Delphinium parryi, commonly called Parry's larkspur, is a native perennial with striking tall spikes of deep blue to purple flowers. It blooms in spring to early summer, adding vertical interest to gardens while requiring minimal water once established.

Growing San Bernardino Larkspur

Grow San Bernardino Larkspur in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

San Bernardino Larkspur is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, foundation.

Looks untidy after blooming when foliage dies back
May need staking to prevent flopping
Can appear sparse when not in bloom

Wildlife value

This plant is highly valuable to native bees and hummingbirds, providing nectar during its spring bloom period. Bumblebees particularly favor these flowers for their abundant nectar resources.

Common questions

When does San Bernardino larkspur bloom?: It generally flowers from April through June, with most plants peaking in May before going dormant for the summer.
What pollinators visit Delphinium parryi?: Bees and hummingbirds are the main visitors, attracted to the tubular blue-purple flowers held on upright spikes.
How much water does this plant need?: It does best with low water once established, taking advantage of spring moisture and then drying out through summer dormancy.
What growing conditions suit San Bernardino larkspur best?: Full sun to part sun in open, well-drained soil suits it best, similar to the grassland and chaparral clearings where it grows well.
Is San Bernardino Larkspur toxic to dogs?: Yes. San Bernardino 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 San Bernardino Larkspur toxic to cats?: Yes. San Bernardino 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.
Is San Bernardino Larkspur HOA-friendly?: San Bernardino Larkspur is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

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