Larkspur is known for its tall spikes of blue, lavender, purple, pink or white flowers. It is a members of the Delphinium family. The genus name "Delphinium" comes from the Greek word "delphis," which means "dolphin." To the Greeks the flowers of larkspur, resembled the shape of a dolphin.
The Annual Delphinium is one of the best known annuals, bearing long racemes of lovely coloured flowers and lacy foliage.
The genus of larkspur was recently changed from Delphinium to Consolida . Two species of larkspur are used for cut flowers: Consolida ambigua and Consolida orientalis. C. orientalis is more upright than C. ambigua , and colours are often shades of bright pink and purple. C. ambigua have more branches initially and colours are usually light pink or blue.
In Greek mythology larkspur flowers are said to have sprang from the blood of Ajax, who committed suicide after not being given the armor of the fallen warrior Achilles. It was once used to heal wounds in the field, to kill parasites, which prey especially on those living under difficult conditions. Another name for it is "knight's spur." larkspur is also said to keep away scorpions and venomous snakes as well as more ethereal threats, like ghosts.
Larkspur is the birth flower for the month of July. It is nice mixed with other Summer Solstice herbs such as lavender, cinquefoil, mugwort, roses, elder, fennel, vervain and hemp in pot pourri or incense.
Related Flowers : Crocuses Flowers Eremurus Flowers Crown Imperials Flowers Eryngiums or Thistles Flowers Cyclamens Flowers Eucharis Flowers Cypress Flowers Euphorbias Fulgens Flowers Dahlias Flowers Forsythias Flowers
