Delphinium newtonianum
| Delphinium newtonianum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Delphinium newtonianum in bloom | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Delphinium |
| Species: | D. newtonianum |
| Binomial name | |
| Delphinium newtonianum Dw.Moore | |
Delphinium newtonianum is a species of flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. It is endemic to the Interior Highlands of Arkansas in the United States.[2]
Description
Delphinium newtonianum is a perennial herb with slender, tuberous, clustered roots and stems that are simple below and loosely branched above, typically reaching 30–130 cm in height.[3] Leaves are deeply divided into three primary lobes, with lower leaves further subdivided into additional lobules.[3]
The inflorescence is an open, spreading cymose panicle. Flowers are typically bright blue but may also be lavender or white, with spreading sepals and a curved or arched spur approximately 2 cm long.[3] The fruits are glabrous, strongly divergent follicles.[3]
Habitat and ecology
The species occurs on forested slopes and in mesic to dry-mesic habitats within the Interior Highlands, including the Boston Mountains and Ouachita Mountains.[4] It grows in temperate forest environments and is associated with upland woodland habitats.[1]
The species flowers from late June to early July.[4]
Distribution
Delphinium newtonianum is endemic to Arkansas, where it occurs in the Interior Highlands region.[4][1] It was originally described from Newton and Pope counties, Arkansas.[3]
Occurrence data compiled by the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) include numerous herbarium specimens and verified observations from across its limited range.[5]
Taxonomy
Delphinium newtonianum was described by Dwight M. Moore in 1939 in the journal Rhodora.[6] The type material originates from Arkansas.[6]
Moore noted that the species was highly distinct, particularly in its inflorescence, and suggested it might warrant placement in a separate section of the genus, though he retained it within Delphinium pending further study.[3]
The species is widely accepted by modern taxonomic authorities.[2][5]
Conservation
According to NatureServe, Delphinium newtonianum is ranked G3 (vulnerable), reflecting its restricted range and limited number of occurrences.[1] It is considered secure in parts of its range but remains of conservation concern due to its endemism.[1]
Several populations occur on protected lands, including within the Ozark National Forest.[1]
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Delphinium newtonianum". NatureServe Explorer. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Delphinium newtonianum Dw.Moore". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Moore, D.M. (1939). "Delphinium newtonianum, a new species from Arkansas". Rhodora. 41: 196.
- 1 2 3 "Delphinium newtonianum". Flora of the Southeastern United States. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Delphinium newtonianum D.M.Moore". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. Retrieved 10 April 2026.
- 1 2 "Delphinium newtonianum Dw.Moore". International Plant Names Index. Retrieved 10 April 2026.