Botanical Name and Pronunciation:
Consolida spp. (con-SOL-i-da)
blue, lavender, pink, white
Form and Size:
The leafy stems of larkspur are about 24 – 36 inches long. The stem resembles a spike, with small cup-shaped flowers covering it. Each flower is about a ˝ inch in diameter.
4 – 12 days
Remove any leaves from the bottom of the stem, cut under water and place in fresh water with flower food. Take care when handling, as larkspur is poisonous.
History and Usage:
A member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family, larkspur originated in the Mediterranean region. Its botanical name, Consolida, is Latin for to make whole. This is in reference to the flower’s medicinal properties. Its popular name, larkspur, is named so because of the flower shape’s resemblance to the claw of a bird. Since the 16th century in Britain, larkspur has been used to heal poisonous stings. Larkspur is nice in mixed floral arrangements or in dried arrangements.
Points of Interest:
Relatives of larkspur include buttercup, clematis, anemone, monkshood and peony.