Delphinium decorum subsp. decorum
Stems (8-)15-25(-35) cm. Leaves: ultimate lobes 3-5, longer than 1/2 leaf radius, merely cleft near apices. Inflorescences puberulent, hairs glandular or not. Flowers: lateral sepals 12-24 mm, spurs 13-19 mm; lower petal hairs yellow.
Phenology: Flowering early-mid spring.
Habitat: Grasslands, open coastal chaparral
Elevation: 0-100 m
Discussion
The names Delphinium decorum var. racemosum Eastwood and D. decorum var. sonomensis Eastwood have been used for various hybrids between D. decorum subsp. decorum and D. patens. The type specimen of D. decorum var. sonomensis appears to represent a nearly direct intermediate between D. decorum and D. patens. These hybrids are quite common in the San Francisco Bay region where habitats have been disturbed. Normally a woodland plant, D. patens contrasts with D. decorum, which occurs in grassland and brushland. Delphinium decorum subsp. decorum also hybridizes with D. luteum, D. nudicaule, and D. trolliifolium.
Selected References
None.