VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Delphinium × occidentale | Duncecap Larkspur 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Duncecap larkspur-dominated tall forb communities are utilized by elk,
moose, deer, cattle, and domestic sheep [8].  Cattle prefer duncecap
larkspur flowers and immature seed pods [18,19].


PALATABILITY : 
The palatability of duncecap larkspur is rated fair to good for sheep,
poor to fair for cattle, and poor for horses [4].


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
Duncecap larkspur is poor in protein and energy value [4].


COVER VALUE : 
Duncecap larkspur provides good cover for small nongame birds and small
mammals [4].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
NO-ENTRY


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
Larkspur species are cultivated as ornamentals [3].

Crushed larkspurs (Delphinium spp.) were used by Native Americans for
controlling lice and other insects [23].  


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
The tall larkspurs (duncecap larkspur and Barbey larkspur [D. barbeyi])
are highly poisonous and are responsible for more cattle deaths on
mountain ranges in the western United States than any other plant
species.  Presence of the tall larkspurs on cattle allotments dictates
when and how ranges are grazed.  As many as 1,000 head of cattle have
been lost lost in a 1-year period on managed rangelands of the
Intermountain Forest Service Region.  Duncecap larkspur is palatable to
both cattle and sheep, but sheep can tolerate about four times more
duncecap larkspur in their diet than cattle.  Duncecap
larkspur-dominated tall forb communities on high mountain ranges are
often considered good sheep foraging areas [18,19].

Duncecap larkspur produces several alkaloids.  Highest concentrations of
these alkaloids occur in spring and early summer while plants are in the
vegetative stage of growth.  Toxicity generally declines as plants
mature.  Toxicity varies between sites or even on the same site in
different years.  Total alkaloid content of duncecap larkspur may
increase with the application of herbicides.  Plants remain palatable,
however, which may result in loss of livestock [18,19].

Three potential methods for controlling duncecap larkspur have been
suggested.  First, defer grazing of larkspur-infested ranges until after
flowering, when alkaloid levels have declined.  Second, sequentially
graze sheep before cattle, close-herding sheep through larkspur-infested
areas to trample plants and make them unacceptable to cattle.  Third,
control duncecap larkspur with herbicides [18,19].  Glyphosphate,
metsulfuron, triclopyr, and picloram control duncecap larkspur [20,29,30].

Related categories for Species: Delphinium × occidentale | Duncecap Larkspur