Zigzag larkspur
Delphinium patens
Last reviewed: September 2026
Zigzag larkspur (Delphinium patens) is a perennial forb native to CA. It blooms in March, April, and May. The flowers draw bumble bees and hummingbirds.
Zigzag 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
part sun
Water
low
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
CA
Pollinators
bumble bees, hummingbirds
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A spring-blooming perennial with deeply lobed leaves and loose spikes of blue-purple flowers held on branching stems. Goes dormant by early summer, leaving a gap until growth resumes the following winter. All plant parts are toxic if ingested.
Growing Zigzag larkspur
Grow Zigzag larkspur in part sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its early spring flowers are an important nectar source for bumble bees and hummingbirds emerging from winter.
Common questions
- How much sun does Zigzag larkspur need?
- Zigzag larkspur grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Zigzag larkspur bloom?
- Zigzag larkspur blooms in March, April, and May.
- Where is Zigzag larkspur native?
- Zigzag larkspur (Delphinium patens) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Zigzag larkspur toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Zigzag 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 Zigzag larkspur toxic to cats?
- Yes. Zigzag 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 Zigzag larkspur attract?
- Zigzag 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.
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 Zigzag larkspur and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.