Northern larkspur
Delphinium brachycentrum
Family: Ranunculaceae
What it is like
Delphinium brachycentrum is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Well-drained tundra slopes from sea level to 1600 metres in the Yukon and Alaska.
North-western N. America to E. Asia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in
Other
Rating: 1
A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only.
Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.
How it is grown
Prefers a rich well-drained soil and dislikes water-logged soils. Requires an open sunny position. A very ornamental plant. Hybridises in the wild with Delphinium glaucum to form the hybrid D. x nutans. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants especially legumes.
Propagating it: Seed - sow March/April in a cold frame or May outdoors. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Cuttings of basal shoots in April/May, taken before they become hollow at the base, and planted in a cold frame. Division in spring or early autumn.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 4-8
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
All parts of the plant are toxic. The plant is most toxic when it is young.