How much sun does Tall larkspur need?

Tall larkspur grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Tall larkspur bloom?

Tall larkspur blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Tall larkspur native?

Tall larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum) is native to AL, KY, MD, MN and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Tall larkspur toxic to dogs?

Yes. Tall 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 Tall larkspur toxic to cats?

Yes. Tall 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 Tall larkspur attract?

Tall larkspur draws bumble bees and hummingbirds.

Tall larkspur

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Delphinium exaltatum

Last reviewed: August 2026

Tall 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) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

24"–60" H × 12"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, KY, MD, MN and 6 more states

Pollinators

bumble bees, hummingbirds

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Tall larkspur is an upright perennial forb with deeply divided leaves and a spike of violet-blue flowers held well above the foliage. It grows from rocky wooded slopes and open woodland edges, dying back to the ground each winter and re-emerging in spring.

Wildlife value

The tubular flowers draw bumble bees and long-tongued bees, and hummingbirds visit for nectar. All plant parts are toxic if ingested, so its role is ornamental rather than edible or forage.

Common questions

How much sun does Tall larkspur need?: Tall larkspur grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Tall larkspur bloom?: Tall larkspur blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Tall larkspur native?: Tall larkspur (Delphinium exaltatum) is native to AL, KY, MD, MN and 6 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Tall larkspur toxic to dogs?: Yes. Tall 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 Tall larkspur toxic to cats?: Yes. Tall 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 Tall larkspur attract?: Tall larkspur draws bumble bees and 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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