Peacock Larkspur

Delphinium pavonaceum

Photo by Tom Kaye

Status

Peacock larkspur is listed as Endangered under the Oregon Endangered Species Act, and is a Federal Species of Concern.

Description

Peacock larkspur is a native, perennial forb in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).  The plants tend to be 15-30 inches tall, and flowers are white with dark blue centers. Flowers are produced in April through June, and are primarily bumblebee pollinated.  Peacock larkspur can easily be distinguished from the more common field larkspur (Delphinium menziesii), which has entirely blue flowers.  Peacock larkspur plants can be extremely long-lived, and may not flower until they are five years old.

Click for species brochure.

Habitat and Range

Peacock larkspur occurs only in the Willamette Valley.  It was historically known from Benton, Polk, Marion, Multnomah and Clackamas Counties, but is currently found primarily in Benton, Marion and Polk Counties.  Peacock larkspur prefers well drained native prairie habitats.  In wetter prairie areas, the larkspur tends to occur on mounds or slight rises in the topography that are flooded less frequently. Many of its present occurrences are on roadsides that have escaped development.

Threats

Threats to remaining populations of peacock larkspur include urban expansion, agricultural development, herbicide use, and encroachment of invasive roadside weeds and woody plants.