All parts of this plant are extremely toxic and can be fatal if consumed! Consideration should be given to the safety of young children, pets, and livestock before incorporating into any landscape.
 
Dwarf Northern Larkspur, or Menzies' Larkspur (Delphinium menziesii), has a native range that spans from British Columbia to northern Oregon. Though uncommon, it can be found in diverse habitats ranging from rocky coastal bluffs and prairie to damp mountain meadows. The conspicuously large flowers are composed of five powder blue to purple sepals and four inner petals (the upper two being a "misty" blueish white). Wild plants in drier habitats are typically quite small, while those inhabiting damp meadows and gardens can achieve much greater size and produce impressive blooms.
 
Flowering typically begins in May for lowland populations, while subalpine populations may not bloom until June or July. The flowers are highly attractive to bumblebees, who are adept at prying open the petals to reach the pollen and nectar within. Other visitors include butterflies, which can use their long probing tongues to reach the inner flower, and hummingbirds, who are likewise adapted to accessing the nectar. As noted above, all other parts of the plant are highly toxic and even fatal if consumed, deterring browsing by deer, rodents, and other herbivores. The seedlings, however, are highly susceptible to slugs and should be protected until plants have matured.
 
Dwarf Northern Larkspur can be a difficult plant to grow from seed, but can thrive in a wide range of soil types and conditions once established. Seeds can be surface sown in cells, bulbs trays, or in weed-free beds in fall or late winter and covered with up to 1/8" with sand, vermiculite, or fine soil. Seedlings can begin emerging as early as late February, and although cold hardy, they will benefit from frost protection. Seedlings will stay rather tiny their first year, spending most of their energy on developing a small tuber that will allow them to withstand drought conditions in their first summer. Tubers will be large enough to handle by early spring in their 2nd year. Mature plants require dry dormancy through summer and should only be watered once or twice per month until fall rains. The tubers can be divided from fall through ealrly spring. With proper conditions and care, Dwarf Northern Larkspur will establish itself and form perennial clumps, continuing to bloom and grace the landscape for years to come.