Red larkspur (Delphinium nudicaule) is in the buttercup family family (Ranunculaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,580 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Nationally it blooms mainly from March to May, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Red larkspur: observations by month (U.S.)
About Red larkspur
Delphinium nudicaule, known by the common names canyon larkspur, red larkspur, orange larkspur, and canyon delphinium, is a flowering perennial herb in the Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae).From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Red larkspur by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 1,568 | April | Mar–May |
| Oregon | 12 | April | Mar–Apr |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (buttercup family)
Lesser Celandine
Red Columbine
Western Columbine
Rue Anemone
Marsh Marigold
Wood Anemone
Blue Columbine
Tenpetal Anemone
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Red larkspur?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to May.
Where is Red larkspur most often seen?
The most observations come from California, Oregon.