Subalpine.  Meadows, woodlands.  Summer.
Navajo Lake Trail, July 11, 2005.

Delphinium barbeyi is a favorite for many hikers; it is certainly one of my favorites.  Delphinium flowers range from an iridescent inky-blue to deep purple, the plant's four to seven foot flower stalks are stately and eye-catching, and the plant is abundant and long-flowering.  Along with the massive white flowering Cow Parsnip and lacy white Loveroot, Delphinium dominates moist Aspen woods in July and August when the three put on one of the finest mountain wildflower displays.  Tall flower stalks of blue and white seem to float above acres of green, dense, moist, redolent summer foliage.  Stretching high above are brilliant white Aspen trunks capped with quaking green leaves and radiant shafts of Colorado violet-blue sky.

Linnaeus named this genus in 1753.  "Delphinium" is from the Latin "delphinus", "Dolphin", for the resemblance of the flower buds to Dolphins.  (See the photo at top of this page.)  In 1893 Ernest Huth named this species to honor William Barbey, late 19th century Swiss philanthropist and botanist.  (More biographical information.)

Subalpine.  Meadows, woodlands.  Summer.
Navajo Lake Trail, July 11, 2005.

Subalpine.  Meadows, woodlands.  Summer.
Navajo Lake Trail, July 11, 2006.

Subalpine.  Meadows, woodlands.  Summer.
Navajo Lake Trail, July 11, 2005.

Delphinium barbeyi (Delphinium)
Synonym: Helleboraceae (Hellebore Family).  Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Subalpine.  Meadows, woodlands.  Summer.
Sneffels Highline Trail, August 4, 2004.
Shoulder of Helmet Peak, August 19, 2005.

White flowering Delphinium barbeyi is rarely seen  --  and rarely forgotten.  Blue and white flowering is probably even more rare.

Subalpine.  Meadows, woodlands.  Summer.
Kilpacker Trail, august 3, 2009.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Delphinium barbeyi