Upland Larkspur (Delphinium nuttallianum) is in the buttercup family family (Ranunculaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,180 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in May.
Nationally it blooms mainly from April to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Upland Larkspur: observations by month (U.S.)
About Upland Larkspur
Delphinium nuttallianum is a species of larkspur known by the common names twolobe larkspur and Nuttall's larkspur. It is widely distributed across western North America from California to Alberta. This wildflower has a white to pink erect stem usually not exceeding half a meter in height which may branch several times. Deeply lobed leaves are located mostly about the base of the plant. The inflorescence occupying the top end of the stem has few widely spaced...From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Upland Larkspur by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado | 432 | June | May–Jul |
| Oregon | 331 | April | Apr–May |
| Washington | 212 | May | Apr–May |
| Utah | 149 | May | Apr–Jun |
| Idaho | 41 | May | May–Jun |
| Wyoming | 12 | June | May–Jun |
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 Upland Larkspur?
Nationally, May has the most observations, with the main season from April to June.
Where is Upland Larkspur most often seen?
The most observations come from Colorado, Oregon, Washington.