Peacock Larkspur

The peacock larkspur is found only in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Presently, the natural vegetation of the Willamette Valley is experiencing a threat not altogether different in magnitude from the Missoula Floods - human development. Since nearly all grassland habitat has been converted to agricultural and residential use, the peacock larkspur is now found almost exclusively along fence rows and ditches where small patches of habitat have escaped complete destruction. But even the few populations that have escaped development are at risk. The white-flowered peacock larkspur appears to hybridize with a purple-flowered species and it is in danger of diluting the peacock larkspur's genetics until it is no longer is a distinct species. Image taken from USFWS Pacific Region Flickr page.