Delphinium exaltatum

Tall Larkspur is a quick-growing, late summer blooming perennial that grows in the North Carolina mountains and along the edges of woods. This plant can get up to six feet tall and has an arching habit. As it gets taller, it is a good idea to stalk the plant to prevent breakage. It thrives in moist soils with good drainage and loves high organic content. However, it is not a fan of intense humidity or heat, so if it’s being grown in a very warm spot, it will enjoy a bit of afternoon shade. Leaves are diamond shaped and deeply lobed, with more lobes on lower leaves and less as they go up the stem. The top fifth of the plant tends to have no leaves at all, topped by blue to purple, and occasionally white tubular flowers. In fall, leaves turn yellow before falling off in dormancy. Tall Larkspur is reported to be deer and rabbit resistant. As a member of the Buttercup family, all parts of this plant are toxic to humans, dogs, and cats. Keep this in mind when deciding on a location to plant.