Subalpine Larkspur
Delphinium barbeyi
Last reviewed: June 2026
Subalpine 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
medium
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Subalpine larkspur produces tall spikes of deep blue to purple flowers during summer months. This native wildflower grows 1-4 feet tall and goes dormant in winter, returning each spring from its root system.
In an HOA neighborhood
Subalpine 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.
- Extremely toxic to humans and livestock
- Dies back completely in winter leaving bare spots
- Wild appearance may not meet manicured landscape standards
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds during the summer blooming period. This native plant provides important nectar sources for pollinators in mountain and foothill ecosystems.
Common questions
- How much sun does Subalpine Larkspur need?
- Subalpine Larkspur grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Subalpine Larkspur bloom?
- Subalpine Larkspur blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Subalpine Larkspur native?
- Subalpine Larkspur (Delphinium barbeyi) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Subalpine Larkspur toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Subalpine 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 Subalpine Larkspur toxic to cats?
- Yes. Subalpine 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 Subalpine Larkspur attract?
- Subalpine Larkspur draws bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.
- Is Subalpine Larkspur HOA-friendly?
- Subalpine 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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