Delphinium nudicaule
| Delphinium nudicaule | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 1' |
| Width: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Delphinium nudicaule (common name: red larkspur)
Propagation: Seed - sow March/April in a cold frame or May outdoors[1]. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place[2]. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c[3]. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination[2]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 9 weeks at 15°c[2]. 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[1].
Division in spring[1] or early autumn[3].
Cultivation: Prefers a rich well-drained soil[1][3]. Dislikes water-logged soils[3]. Requires an open sunny position[4].
Plants can flower in their first year from spring-sown seed, they are reliably perennial in their native environment, but often die overwinter in most parts of Britain[3].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[5].
Slugs and snails are very attracted to this plant[3].
Range: South-western N. America - California.
Habitat: Dry slopes among shrubs and in woods, below 2150 metres[6].
Medicinal: The root is considered by some native North American Indians to be highly narcotic[7][8].
Usage: A blue dye is obtained from the flowers[9]. An ink can be made from the dye[9].
A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves[10]. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only.
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: All parts of the plant are toxic[10]. The plant is most toxic when it is young[3].
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Sanders, Thomas. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge, 1926.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Bird, Alfred. Focus on Plants Volume 5. Thompson and Morgan, 1991.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ Munz, David. A California Flora. University of California Press, 1959.
- ↑ Weiner, Michael. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books, 1980.
- ↑ Moerman, Daniel. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press, 1998.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 Coffey, Timothy. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File, 1993.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Schofield, Janice. Discovering Wild Plants.