Tall Mountain Larkspur
Delphinium scaposum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Tall Mountain 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"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CO, NM, UT
Pollinators
bees, hummingbirds
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Tall mountain larkspur produces striking spikes of blue to purple flowers on upright stems during late spring and summer. This native perennial goes dormant in winter, disappearing completely until new growth emerges the following spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tall Mountain Larkspur takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Completely disappears when dormant, leaving bare spots
- Informal wildflower appearance may seem unmanicured
- All parts of plant are highly toxic
Wildlife value
The tubular flowers are particularly attractive to hummingbirds and native bees. The tall flower spikes provide excellent nectar sources during the peak growing season.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tall Mountain Larkspur need?
- Tall Mountain Larkspur grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Tall Mountain Larkspur bloom?
- Tall Mountain Larkspur blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Tall Mountain Larkspur native?
- Tall Mountain Larkspur (Delphinium scaposum) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Tall Mountain Larkspur toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Tall Mountain 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 Mountain Larkspur toxic to cats?
- Yes. Tall Mountain 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 Mountain Larkspur attract?
- Tall Mountain Larkspur draws bees and hummingbirds.
- Is Tall Mountain Larkspur HOA-friendly?
- Tall Mountain 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 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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