''Delphinium inopinum'' is a species of
larkspur known by the common name unexpected larkspur. It is
endemic to the
Sierra Nevada
The Sierra Nevada () is a mountain range in the Western United States, between the Central Valley of California and the Great Basin. The vast majority of the range lies in the state of California, although the Carson Range spur lies primarily ...
of
California, where it is known mostly from rocky areas in open
temperate coniferous forest habitat.
Description
''Delphinium inopinum'' is a perennial herb with one or more erect, waxy stems usually exceeding a meter in height. The leaves are located mainly toward the base of the stem, with the upper part occupied by a
raceme
A raceme ( or ) or racemoid is an unbranched, indeterminate type of inflorescence bearing flowers having short floral stalks along the shoots that bear the flowers. The oldest flowers grow close to the base and new flowers are produced as the s ...
of at least 25 flowers. Each flower is held on a
pedicel
Pedicle or pedicel may refer to:
Human anatomy
*Pedicle of vertebral arch, the segment between the transverse process and the vertebral body, and is often used as a radiographic marker and entry point in vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures
...
up to 2.5 centimeters long. The flower has white to light blue
sepals each about a centimeter long which generally roll up and extend forward, with a spur about a centimeter long extending back. The fruit is up to 2 centimeters long.
External links
Jepson Manual Treatment - ''Delphinium inopinum''''Delphinium inopinum'' - Photo gallery
inopinum
Endemic flora of California
Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States)
Plants described in 1915
Flora without expected TNC conservation status
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