Delphinium denudatum

Delphinium denudatum belongs to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. It is a perennial, so it lives for several years. Its native range spans northeastern and eastern Afghanistan. It extends to the western Himalaya and northwestern India. Records also place it in northern Pakistan. It grows where the climate is temperate. Sites include dry slopes with scrub and gaps in forests. These lie around 5,580–7,550 feet [1,700–2,300 metres] above sea level. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The plant reaches about 3.3 feet [1 metre] tall. It flowers from July to August. Each flower has both male and female organs. The supplied species accounts do not state the flower colour. They give no details of fruit, mature width, or leaves. In gardens, it can grow in planted beds. The sunny edge of woodland is another place to grow it. These sites must offer open light, not shade within woodland.

Choose a sunny site with rich soil that drains well. This species can grow in sand, loam, or clay. It accepts soil that is mildly acid or mildly alkaline. It also grows in neutral soil. Soil may be dry or moist, but winter wet causes problems. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Slugs cause concern because they feed on this plant. The same source says it can hinder plants near it. Legumes face a greater risk from this effect. Keep that in mind when choosing plants to grow nearby.

Raise more plants from seed, division, or basal cuttings. Basal cuttings come from shoots at the plant's base. Sow seed in a cold frame in March or April. You can also sow it outdoors in May. Keep seed moist and shaded until it sprouts. Seeds take about two to nine weeks to sprout at 59°F [15°C]. More heat can stop seeds from sprouting. Stored seed loses its ability to sprout. Divide plants in spring or early autumn. Take basal shoots in April or May, before their bases turn hollow. Grow those cuttings in a cold frame.

All parts are poisonous. Young plants pose the greatest risk. The records list no edible uses. People have used root preparations for toothache and as a tonic. These records do not show that home treatments are safe. Leaves have also supplied a toxic treatment against parasites. The source limits that use to the outside of the body. These uses do not make the plant safe. Its value in gardens does not remove the risk of poisoning.