Woodlands, meadows, wetlands. Delphinium, though, reaches seven feet and Monkshood only five. Monkshood flowers are intensely deep purple with a high arching hood. Delphinium flowers range from blue through violet to purple and have a distinctive spur. Delphinium is by far more common but a discerning eye will often find Monkshood growing with Delphinium.
Flower stalks range from four to seven feet tall.
Along with Cow Parsnip and Loveroot Delphinium dominates moist Aspen woods in July and August when the three put on one of the best wildflower displays in the San Juans. Acres of ground below tall white Aspen trunks are green in the dense foliage of the three and their tall stalks of blue and white flowers float along the mountainsides. Quaking Aspen leaves and Colorado blue skies tower and encircle above. One has entered a cavern of color. The species name honors William Barbey.