Botanical Name: Delphinium cashmerianum
Family: Ranunculaceae
Subfamily:Ranunculoideae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Tribe: Delphinieae
Genus: Delphinium
Habitat:Delphinium cashmerianum is native to E. Asia – Western Himalayas in Kashmir and Tibet. It grows in the alpine areas from 3000 to 4800 metres.
Description:
Delphinium cashmerianum is a perennial herb, growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs).
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Cultivation:
Delphinium cashmerianum prefers a rich well-drained soil that stays moist in the summer. Dislikes water-logged soils, it is liable to die out in heavy soils over winter. Requires an open sunny position. Plants are generally hardy to about -20°c. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Grows well in the rock garden. This species is closely related to C. brunonianum.
Propagation:
Through seed – sow March/April in a cold frame or May outdoors. Keep moist and in a shady position until germination takes place. The seed has a limited viability so it should be stored in a sealed container at about 3°c. Temperatures above 15°c inhibit germination. The seed usually germinates in 2 – 9 weeks at 15°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. Cuttings of basal shoots in April/May, taken before they become hollow at the base, and planted in a cold frame. Division in spring or early autumn.
Edible Uses: Not known.
Medicinal Uses: The roots may be used medicinally, but waiting for further details.
Other Uses:
A parasiticide is obtained from the leaves. It is quite toxic and so is for external use only. In the Himalayas it is only used to destroy ticks on animals. The seed contains 30% of an oil that has industrial uses. The seed is very small, however, and it would require a large area of plants to obtain reasonable yields.
Known Hazards: All parts of the plant are toxic. The plant is most toxic when it is young.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delphinium
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Delphinium+cashmerianum
