Delphinium carolinianum ssp. virescens – Prairie Larkspur – 1-Pint

Sometimes accorded species status as Delphinium virescens, most botanists consider this a subspecies of the widespread Carolina Larkspur (D. carolinianum). Belying it’s common name the species occurs from Wisconsin to North Dakota south to New Mexico and Florida. This subspecies covers much of the range of the species but is absent from the Southeast and is particularly abundant in the Great Plains. It’s completely absent from the Northeast but it grows well here in meadows and sunny flower borders. Like most member of the genus it can be a bit short-lived but will self-sow where happy. While the species generally has bluish purple flowers, Prairie Larkspur usually has white flowers with purple-tinged spurs – a favorite of bumblebees and hummingbirds.