Baker's larkspur

Baker's larkspur (Delphinium bakeri) is a perennial herb in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). It is an endangered species native to California (USA), the current single known population being estimated at 35 individuals.

It grows from a thickened, tuber-like, fleshy cluster of roots, to a height of 70 cm (26 inches). The leaves occur primarily along the upper third of the stem and are green at the time the plant flowers.

The flowers are irregularly shaped. It has five conspicuous sepals, bright dark blue or purplish, with the rear sepal elongated into a spur. The inconspicuous petals occur in two pairs. The lower pair is oblong and blue-purple, the upper pair oblique and white. Seeds are produced in several dry, many-seeded fruits that split open at maturity on only one side. The species flowers from April through May.

Baker's larkspur grows on decomposed shale within coastal scrub plant community. Historically, it was known from Coleman Valley in Sonoma County and from near Tomales in Marin County, California.

Near-extinction incidents caused by road crews

In July 2002, county-hired road crews mowing weeds in the critical habitat area cut down 30 to 50 Baker's larkspurs. At the time, scientists speculated that may have wiped the plant out.

In October 2004, the plant was nearly wiped out of existence by county workers using heavy machinery to unclog a roadside drain. The location was the species' sole habitat, and the unwitting workers reduced the population from 100 plants to just 5 within minutes.

References

• Fed’s delay may have led to plant’s extinction
• Sacramento Fish and Wildlife Office Species Account
• US Fish and Wildlife Service News Release
• Associated Press story on CNN.com