BOTANICAL AND ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS
SPECIES: Delphinium bicolor | Low Larkspur 



GENERAL BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS : 
Low larkspur is a native, perennial forb with an extensively branched
fibrous to slightly fleshy root system.  Stems are usually solitary and
are 4 to 16 inches (10-40 cm) tall.  Fruits are many-seeded follicles.
Seeds are irregularly winged and about 0.08 inches (0.2 cm) long
[8,9,10,12].


RAUNKIAER LIFE FORM : 
   Geophyte


REGENERATION PROCESSES : 
Low larkspur mainly reproduces by seed [17].  It is pollinated by bees,
and probably self-pollinates as well [1].  Low larkspur may reproduce
vegetatively [4].


SITE CHARACTERISTICS : 
Low larkspur is found on sites ranging from open woods and grasslands to
subalpine scree [5,9,10,12].  It appears early in the spring, often at
the edges of receding snowbanks [3,18].  Low larkspur will grow in
fairly dry to moist conditions [3,4,18].  It grows best in rich, black,
sandy loams or clay loams and in soils of limestone or granitic origin
[3,4].  It is found on gentle to steep slopes.  Low larkspur is found at
elevations of 4,600 to 11,600 feet (1,400-3,500 m) in Wyoming and 3,000
to 10,500 feet (900-3,200 m) in Montana [4].
 


SUCCESSIONAL STATUS : 
Facultative Seral Species

Low larkspur prefers sites with full sun exposure [18].  It colonizes
recently disturbed sites [4] and is often found on gravel banks and
along roadcuts [8].  On alpine tundra sites of the Beartooth Plateau,
Montana, low larkspur is associated with natural ground disturbance,
such as areas of rodent activity [1].


SEASONAL DEVELOPMENT : 
Low larkspur begins growth as soon as snow melts in the spring.  It
flowers from June to July [17].

Related categories for Species: Delphinium bicolor | Low Larkspur