Delphinium exaltatum - Tall Larkspur

Sizes available: 2 quart

Basics: zones 4-8 (or 5-7 depending on which resource you rely on), 4' x 1-1.5' (perhaps taller), full sun to (maybe) some shade - but high canopy or dappled, this plant is propagated from open-pollinated seed and the color varies from a deep, bluish-purple to pale lavender, blooms mid to late summer. Likes medium fertility and moisture, and a cool soil that is well-drained and (perhaps) on the lime-y side.

Common names: Tall Larkspur

Family: Ranunculaceae

Origin/Distribution: Okay, so the USDA says this plant is native to Maine as a disjunct population. Go Botany says "no", so "no" it is. The species occurs mostly from Pennsylvania and Ohio, south down the Appalachian spine into Alabama and North Carolina, with disjunction populations in the Ozarks. 

Habitat: Found on bright, woodland edges, open woods and slopes. 

More: Larkspurs contain poisonous alkaloids and their toxicity makes them deer and rabbit resistant. Their flowers will be visited by long-tongued bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Prefers a cool root run and protection from blazing afternoon sun. The tall, purplish spires show up well amongst grasses and are a good foil for the yellow-orange, late summer cohort of rudbeckias. A bit slow to establish and makes a pretty cut flower. 

Source: up-potted seedlings from Marpa Farm or wintered-over plants originally from Van Berkum Nursery

Image credits: courtesy of Van Berkum Nursery