Roots 2-8-branched, 2-10(-15) cm, twisted-fibrous, dry to fleshy; buds minute. Stems 1(-2) per root, usually unbranched, less than 60(-80) cm, elongation delayed 2-8 weeks after leaf initiation; base usually not narrowed, firmly attached to root. Leaves basal and cauline, largest near base of stem, others usually abruptly smaller on distal portion of stem; basal petioles ± spreading, cauline petioles ascending; basal leaves more rounded and with fewer, wider lobes than cauline leaves. Inflorescences usually 1-10 flowers per 5 cm, dense to open, cylindric, spurs often intersecting rachis; pedicel closely ascending rachis (straight), usually less than 2 cm, rachis to midpedicel angle less than 30°; bracts markedly smaller and fewer lobed than leaves. Fruits erect. Seeds rectangular to crescent-shaped, 1.3-2.3 × 0.8-1.4 mm, not ringed on proximal end, ± wing-margined; seed coats without wavy ridges, cells elongate, cell margins straight.

Distribution

North America, possibly others in Asia.

Discussion

Species 3+ (3 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Delphinium depauperatum, Delphinium distichum, Delphinium uliginosum

Key

1	Margins of basal leaf, measured less than 1 cm from blade base, demarcating less than 90° of arc when leaf laid flat; sepal spurs at 30–45° angle to inflorescence axis.	Delphinium uliginosum
1	Margins of basal leaf, measured less than 1 cm from blade base, demarcating considerably more than 90° of arc when leaf laid flat; sepal spurs at near 90° angle to inflorescence axis.	> 2
2	Cauline leaf blades (at least most of them) exceeding internodes; basal leaves absent at anthesis; cauline leaves 9 or more at anthesis.	Delphinium distichum
2	Cauline leaf blades much shorter than internodes; basal leaves usually present at anthesis; cauline leaves 3 or fewer at anthesis.	Delphinium depauperatum