Fauna
Flower

Alpine Larkspur

Delphinium elatum

Also known as Alpine Delphinium, Bee Larkspur, Candle Larkspur

Alpine larkspurs produce striking, tower-like spires of deep blue and violet blossoms that draw heavy bumblebee traffic during midsummer. Their deeply lobed, palm-like leaves sprout from dense perennial crowns each spring, reaching impressive heights in moist mountain meadows. Every part of the plant contains dangerous norditerpenoid alkaloids, making it highly toxic to browsing mammals.

FloweringAlpineToxic Plant
Alpine Larkspur reference1 / 7
(c) Natalya Ivanova, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Natalya Ivanova · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic
ThreatsOvergrazing, land development, climate shifts in alpine zones
HabitatsAlpine meadows, moist forest clearings, mountain streamsides
Life span10–20 years
Classification
  1. OrderRanunculales
  2. FamilyRanunculaceae
  3. GenusDelphinium
  4. SpeciesDelphinium elatum
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
All plant parts contain toxic alkaloids that cause severe poisoning if ingested; keep away from pets and livestock.
Why it is dangerous
Contains potent norditerpenoid alkaloids, particularly methyllycaconitine, which disrupt neuromuscular function and can cause respiratory failure.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for tall, dense towers of rich blue or purple spurred flowers rising above deeply cleft leaves.
What to do
Wear gloves when gardening around this plant, and ensure animals do not ingest any foliage.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Enjoy the vibrant flower spikes from a distance without picking stems or leaves.
  • Pet Safety: Prevent livestock and dogs from grazing anywhere near wild or cultivated patches.
Related species
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