Delphinium andersonii, commonly known as Anderson’s Larkspur, is a perennial herb native to sagebrush steppe ecosystems, mountain meadows, and open coniferous forests of the Great Basin and Sierra Nevada regions. It typically grows up to half a meter tall and is characterized by its deeply lobed, fingerlike leaves. The plant’s striking feature is its cylindrical inflorescence, which showcases dark blue sepals and petals, with a prominent spur that can be nearly two centimeters long. Flowering occurs from late spring to early summer, and the blooms can also appear in light purple or white varieties, all with contrasting yellow anthers, adding to their ornamental appeal.

Anderson’s Larkspur is valued for its vibrant blue flowers, which can add a splash of color to rock gardens, wildflower meadows, and native plant landscapes. It is relatively low-maintenance but requires well-drained soils and thrives in full sun to part shade conditions. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Gardeners should be aware that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, and it can be susceptible to crown rot in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0