Origin
Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan is commonly known as Liverleaf Larkspur and is a subspecies of the genus Delphinium in the family Ranunculaceae. It is native to western North America, including the Rocky Mountains from Montana to New Mexico, and is found in alpine meadows, talus slopes, and subalpine cirques.
Common Names
Aside from its common name Liverleaf Larkspur, D. patens ssp. hepaticoideum is also known as Alpine Larkspur, Spur Larkspur, Liver Larkspur, and Liver-shaped Larkspur, depending on the region.
Uses
Despite its toxic properties, Delphinium patens ssp. hepaticoideum has been used traditionally by Native Americans for medicinal purposes such as treating skin irritation, rheumatism, fever, and poison ivy. It has also been used as a natural dye for wool and other fabrics, as the plant's deep blue flowers make a vibrant and long-lasting dye.
General Appearance
Delphinium patens ssp. hepaticoideum is an herbaceous perennial that grows up to 1-2 feet tall. It has basal leaves that are up to 4 inches wide and divided into three to seven deeply divided lobes, with lobes either rounded or narrowly oblong. The plant bears showy delphinium flowers in shades of deep blue-purple, blooming in late spring or early summer. The flowers are spurred and held on slender, elongated stems that sway in the breeze. Liverleaf Larkspur is an important source of nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Light Requirements
Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan requires full sunlight to grow and thrive. In areas with intense heat, a location with partial shade can be suitable but may reduce the number of flowers produced. Limited sunlight can cause the plant to become leggy, and the flowers may fail to develop.
Temperature Requirements
The seeds of Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan require cold stratification to germinate, so they must experience a period of chilling before planting. Once the plants are established, they can tolerate temperatures ranging from 32 to 86 °F (0 to 30°C). In the summer, the plants may become dormant when exposed to high temperatures and return to growth after the weather cools in the fall.
Soil Requirements
Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan prefers well-drained, moist but not waterlogged soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients with ample drainage to prevent waterlogging. The plant can tolerate soil with low fertility but may not thrive in such conditions.
Cultivation Methods
Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan, commonly known as Liverleaf Larkspur, prefers full sun or light shade and well-draining soil. It can be grown through seeds or division of rhizomes. Sow the seeds in early spring or late fall, and cover with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. The mature plants can be divided in early spring or fall and replanted.
Watering Needs
Liverleaf Larkspur needs regular watering to maintain its growth. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Watering should be deep and infrequent rather than shallow and frequent. During hot and dry weather, the plant may need more frequent watering. However, overwatering may cause root rot and other diseases.
Fertilization
Liverleaf Larkspur can benefit from regular fertilization to enhance its growth and blooming. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in the early spring when the growth resumes. Repeat the application in mid-summer to support the second blooming. Be careful not to over-fertilize as it can lead to leafy growth rather than flower production.
Pruning
Pruning helps to maintain the neat and compact shape of Liverleaf Larkspur and promote blooming. Cut back the stems after the first flowering to encourage the plant for a second blooming. Cut the stems to the ground level in fall when the plant goes dormant. Deadheading the spent flowers promotes the continuous blooming and prevents the plant from self-sowing.
Propagation of Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan
Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan, also known as Liverleaf Larkspur, is a herbaceous perennial plant species that belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. The plant grows wild on rocky slopes, canyons, and talus of the western United States, and its propagation can be achieved through several methods that are described below.
Seed propagation
The most common method of propagating Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan is through seed propagation. The seeds of Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan can be directly sown into the ground in early spring, after any chance of frost has passed. The planting depth should be shallow, about 1/8 inch deep, and the seeds require well-draining soil that is not waterlogged.
Once the seeds have been planted, they require consistent moisture. The seeds should germinate within two to three weeks, and the seedlings should be thinned to one plant per 6 to 8 inches of space. Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan seedlings do not like to be disturbed, therefore, it is essential to take great care while transplanting the seedlings to their permanent location.
Division of clumps
Another method of propagating Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan is by dividing the clumps of the mature plant. This method is best suited for the mature plant that has established itself and has started to grow larger clumps. The best time to divide the plant is during early spring when the new growth is starting to emerge.
The clumps should be carefully lifted from the ground, and the soil should be gently tapped to remove any soil that is clinging to the roots. The clumps should be broken apart using a sharp knife with each section having a separate root system and buds. The separated sections should then be planted in the soil at the same depth as they were previously.
Stem cuttings
Stem cuttings are another method of propagating Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan but are not commonly used. The stem cuttings of the plant should be taken during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings' base should be dipped in rooting hormone.
The cuttings should then be planted and kept in a humid and warm environment until they have developed a good root system. Unlike the above two methods, this method is time-consuming and requires much more care.
Overall, Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan can be propagated using a variety of methods, and gardeners should choose the method that is best suited to their preference and the needs of the plant.
Disease Management
Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan is prone to several diseases that can harm the plant. The most common diseases that affect this species are:
Crown Rot
Crown rot is a fungal disease that causes the stem base and the roots to rot, leading to the wilting and death of the plant. To manage this disease, it is important to avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. Fungicide treatments may also be applied to protect the plant.
Septoria Leaf Spot
Septoria leaf spot is a fungal disease that presents as small brown or black spots on the leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots may enlarge, causing the leaves to wilt and die. To manage this disease, it is important to remove infected leaves and apply fungicide treatments.
Mildew
Mildew is a fungal disease that presents as a white powdery coating on the leaves and stems of the plant. Infected leaves may also roll, curl, or become distorted. To manage this disease, it is important to improve air circulation and reduce humidity.
Pest Management
Delphinium patens Benth. ssp. hepaticoideum Ewan is also prone to several pests that can damage or kill the plant. The most common pests that affect this species are:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are small arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing the leaves to become stippled or discolored. To manage this pest, it is important to maintain high humidity levels and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on the foliage and stems of the plant, leaving irregularly shaped holes. To manage these pests, it is important to remove any debris or hiding places around the plant and apply slug and snail bait.
Aphids
Aphids are small insects that feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth and distorted leaves. To manage this pest, it is important to remove any weeds and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
