Stems (25-)60-100(-130) cm, base usually simple-puberulent. Leaves mostly cauline; cauline leaves 3 or more, ± gradually smaller than basal leaves. Inflorescences 2-5(-8) flowers per 5 cm, ± open. Flowers: sepals reddish purple to dark maroon, lateral sepals 8-12 mm, spurs (6-)9-12(-16) mm. 2 n = 32. Flowering early-mid spring. Rock outcrops in open oak woods, grasslands; of conservation concern; 60-600 m; Calif. Delphinium hansenii subsp. ewanianum is extremely local and imperiled by human encroachment.