Delphinium (Ranunculaceae) is a globally distributed genus composed of ~300 species. Originating in eastern Asia ~32 Mya, Delphinium arrived to western North America around 3 Mya and rapidly speciated along climatic and elevational gradients. At least 61 species have been described in North America, and most of these are endemic to the western United States (e.g., Rocky Mountains, Great Basin, and California Floristic Province). The toxicity of this genus has been a large research focus for US government agencies, but very little is known about the phylogeographic history, species relationships, population genetics, or conservation status of species in this group. Here, I present the first molecular phylogeny focused solely on the Delphinium of North America. Additionally, I discuss a population genetics analysis of an unresolved species complex (D. occidentale, D. barbeyi, D. glaucum) to highlight the potential for taxonomic revision in this genus. A comprehensive molecular phylogeny for North American Delphinium will provide clarity on species relationships, enable further research into plant diversification rates within and across temperate mountain regions (e.g., Himalaya-Hengduan and North American Cordillera), and provide a unique opportunity to study how plant chemical defenses affect speciation processes.