Larkspur flowers are known for their tall, spiky blooms, bringing vertical drama and color to gardens and floral arrangements. The plants commonly called Larkspur encompass two closely related groups: the annual type, scientifically known as Consolida, and the perennial type, which belongs to the genus Delphinium. Larkspur is celebrated for its vibrant shades of blue and purple, but the color palette also includes striking variations of pink and pure white. This range of colors, combined with the flower’s unique structure, makes it a popular ornamental plant.
The Full Color Spectrum
Larkspur is most distinctive for its blues and purples. Blue varieties span from pale, sky-blue pastels to deep, intense hues often described as cobalt or navy blue. These true blues are relatively rare in the plant world, which contributes to the flower’s appeal.
Purple shades are equally varied, ranging from soft lavender and violet to rich indigo and nearly black dark purple varieties. Many cultivars also display bi-color effects, where the center of the flower, sometimes called the “bee,” is a contrasting color, such as white or a lighter shade of blue.
The flower also appears in pink and white tones, offering options for a softer display. Pink larkspur can range from delicate blush to a more saturated rose color, while the white varieties are often a crisp, clean shade.
Distinguishing Physical Features
The name “Larkspur” is derived from the flower’s most recognizable characteristic: the prominent spur. This hollow, slender projection extends backward from the flower’s base, resembling the long hind claw of a lark. The spur is a prolongation of the upper sepal and serves to hold the nectar, attracting pollinators.
The flower is considered irregular, meaning its parts are not symmetrically arranged. It is composed of five petal-like sepals, with the top sepal forming the distinctive spur. Inside the sepals are four true petals arranged in two pairs; the upper pair extends into the spur to cover the nectaries, while the lower pair forms a small landing pad. The flowers are typically arranged in a loose, vertical grouping known as a raceme along the main stalk.
Species Type and Color Variation
Larkspur can be categorized into two main botanical groups, which affects the color and growth habit. Annual Larkspur, primarily Consolida ajacis, completes its life cycle in a single growing season and tends to have looser, more delicate flower spikes. The annual type often features a softer color palette, including pastel shades of pink and lavender.
Perennial Larkspur, which belongs to the genus Delphinium, is generally more robust and returns year after year. Delphinium species are known for their tall, dense flower spikes that can reach significant heights. The perennial varieties are where many of the deepest, most saturated blues and purples are found, such as intense indigo and violet hues.
Necessary Safety Considerations
All parts of the Larkspur plant, whether annual or perennial, contain toxic diterpene alkaloids and must be handled with caution. These compounds, which include delphinine and methyllycaconitine, are poisonous to humans and most livestock. The primary mechanism of toxicity involves neuromuscular paralysis.
The highest concentrations of the toxic alkaloids are found in the seeds and the new shoots that emerge in the spring. Ingestion can cause severe symptoms, including burning of the mouth, muscle weakness, and, at higher doses, paralysis of the respiratory system. No part of the plant should ever be consumed by people or pets.