Larkspur
Delphinium
Family: Ranunculaceae · Also called Delphinium, Knight's Spur, Lark's Heel, Chienia, Delphinastrum, Plectrornis
Green & Fresh · Summer bloomer
Larkspur reaches skyward in elegant spires of densely packed blooms, creating some of the most dramatic vertical accents in any garden. The flowers spiral around tall stems in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, each with a distinctive backward-pointing spur.
levity, lightness, open heart
In the Victorian language of flowers, larkspur means “Lightness and levity”. Named for the spur-shaped nectary that resembles a lark's claw (or a dolphin's nose, hence 'Delphinium' from the Greek 'delphis'). In medieval England, larkspur seeds were scattered to ward off scorpions. Different colors carry different meanings: pink for fickleness, white for happiness, purple for first love.
Did You Know?
Larkspur flowers were historically used to make blue ink and dye. The entire plant is toxic to both humans and livestock, ranchers in the American West lose more cattle to larkspur poisoning than to any other plant.
Open meadows, prairies, and mountain slopes in temperate climates
Larkspur is native to Northern Hemisphere. It naturally grows in open meadows, prairies, and mountain slopes in temperate climates.
Scent Profile
“A light, airy floral with green and slightly sweet notes, barely-there and ethereal, like a breeze through a summer meadow.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NameDelphinium
- FamilyRanunculaceae
- Native ToNorthern Hemisphere
- Bloom SeasonSummer
- LifespanAnnual
- Birth MonthJuly
Cultural Significance
Named for the spur-shaped nectary that resembles a lark's claw (or a dolphin's nose, hence 'Delphinium' from the Greek 'delphis'). In medieval England, larkspur seeds were scattered to ward off scorpions. Different colors carry different meanings: pink for fickleness, white for happiness, purple for first love.