12 Facts About Larkspurs
The first birth flower of July is the Larkspur or Delphiniums.
Larkspurs are one of the few flowers that bloom in July. They add a pop of color to any garden.
Also read: 22 Interesting Facts about July
With the right care and conditions, Larkspurs can bloom from early summer to late fall, providing a continuous display of their captivating flowers.
Here are some fun and interesting facts about Larkspurs you need to konw.
1.
Larkspurs belong to the Delphinium genus, a group of around 365 species of flowers.
All members of this genus, including all larkspur variants, are toxic to humans and livestock.
2.
According to Greek mythology, larkspurs emerged from the blood of Ajax, a heroic figure in the Trojan War. Where his blood spilled, beautiful larkspurs sprang up.
3.
They're called larkspurs because of their long, pointy petals, resembling a meadowlark bird's claws or the silver spur from a knight's boots.
4.
They're native to the United States and Europe, with gardens from England starting to have them in the mid-1500s and gardens from the US around the mid to late 1700s.
5.
Blue is the most common color for larkspurs, but they can also be seen in red, pink, white, yellow, and violet.
6.
Larkspurs are good for more than just looking at; they contain lots of sweet, sweet nectar that attracts birds and bees.
7.
Annual larkspurs, such as the rocket larkspur, are also classified under another genus called Consolida.
This is why rocket larkspurs are either called Delphinium ajacis or Consolida ajacis.
8.
Annual larkspurs, they typically grow up to 2 feet (61 centimeters) tall.
Perennial larkspurs, on the other hand, can grow as tall as 6 feet (183 cm)!
9.
These enchanting flowers thrive in cooler regions and are well-suited for gardens in temperate climates, where they can flourish with the right care and conditions.
10.
Larkspurs have a long history in folklore. They're often associated with protection against evil spirits and promoting love, youth, and positivity.
11.
In traditional medicine, certain parts of the delphinium plant have been used to treat ailments such as fever, inflammation, and respiratory conditions.
12.
There's a city in California called Larkspur. Legend has it that the founder's wife named it after mistaking some lupine flowers found nearby for larkspurs!
Sources
Britannica - Larkspur plant / Portland Nursery / Pennsylvania State University / Ongaro & Sons / Floraly