Roots usually more than 10 cm. Stems 30-90 cm. Leaves mostly on proximal 1/3 of stem; basal leaves usually present at anthesis; blade with ultimate lobes 3-20, width less than 4 mm. Inflorescences: bracteoles 3-6 mm. Flowers: sepals usually reflexed, lateral sepals 7-11 mm, spurs 10-13 mm; lower petal blades 3-5 mm. 2 n = 16.

Flowering late spring-early summer. Dry chaparral, sage scrub and lower montane woods; of conservation concern; 1000-1600(-2400) m; Calif.

Delphinium parryi subsp. purpureum may be imperiled by human encroachment.

This taxon may be confused with Delphinium parishii , but its abundant arched hairs and lack of wider-lobed basal leaves will distinguish D . parryi subsp. purpureum . It hybridizes with D . parishii subsp. pallidum .