Roots 20-50 cm, twisted fibrous, dry, 5-11-branched; buds more than 3 mm, usually present throughout dormant season. Stems 2-8 per root, usually unbranched, elongation commencing within 2 weeks of leaf initiation; base not narrowed, firmly attached to root. Leaves largest at or slightly below middle of stem; petiole ascending; blade shape and lobing similar throughout. Inflorescences ± dense, usually 3-8 flowers per 5 cm, narrowly pyramidal to cylindric; pedicel spreading-ascending, usually less than 3 cm; bracts ± similar to leaves but smaller. Fruits erect. Seeds rectangular to crescent-shaped, 1.5-3.5 × 1.2-2.5 mm, not ringed at proximal end, wing-margined; seed coats with small wavy ridges, cells elongate, margins straight.

Distribution

North America, South America, Eurasia, Africa, Australia.

Discussion

Species ca. 30 (1 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Delphinium elatum