Jul 18, 2018
Image: Larkspur by Starlily37– Wikimedia
The July flower is Larkspur (or Delphinium) according to Wikipedia. Native to the North Temperature Zone, Larkspur is a genus of ranunculaceous delphinium plants with bright flowers and spurred calyx and symbolizes feelings of an open heart and ardent attachment.
The term delphinium is believed to come from the Greek word for dolphin as the plant was thought to have a resemblance to the sea mammal.
Folklore reveals a number of names for this flower including lark’s heel, lark’s toe, lark’s claw, knight’s spur and staggerweed.
Traditionally used as an herbal medicine, Larkspur was believed to consolidate wounds which is supported by the Latin name for the plant ‘consolida’ which means ‘to consolidate.’
In Greek mythology Larkspur was sacred to Apollon (the plant was probably used in the god's Hyakinthia festival held near Sparta in early summer). According to Ovid, it was said to have sprung up from the blood of Aias or Ajax) a Greek hero of the Trojan War. After the armour of Akhilleus was awarded to Odysseus instead of him, he went mad with jealousy and threw himself upon his own sword. The larkspur flower sprang from his blood, its petals inscribed with the "ai" of his name.. Soldiers were also said to use larkspur in ancient times as a method to control body lice.
Other healing uses that have been connected to the larkspur include the treatment of hemorrhoids, colic in children and wound repair.
Larkspur was also said to have had magical powers because it carries feminine energy. In addition to healing wounds and combating lice, larkspur was used with any spell related to the protection, care and comfort of soldiers and other figures of authority. It has also been known to be used in ceremonies honoring war dead.
Documentation points to Larkspur assisting in keeping away ghosts, scorpions and various other poisonous creatures and if planted around a home it would keep away bad spirits. Wearing larkspur also brings these benefits.
It has been used in many protection spells in Europe and one belief is that if bunches of the flower are hung in a stable, it would prevent the animals from being attacked by a predator or from being stolen.
A legend from ancient Rome says men chasing a dolphin enraged Neptune who turned it into the Delphinium protecting it from capture.
Contemporary medicinal uses of the larkspur center primarily as an antidote in the treatment of scorpion stings. A myth pointed to laying delphiniums in the path of a scorpion to cause it to stop and freeze until the plant is removed.
The flower is also associated with gaiety, levity and purity of heart.
There are secret meanings to three Larkspur colors including “Fickleness” (pink), “Joyful, Happy-Go-Lucky” (white) and “You Have Such A Sweet Disposition” (purple).
Larkspur is a popular garden plant, which will grow to between two and four feet tall. There are approximately forty different species of larkspur with hundreds of additional cultivars that horticulturalists have created.
Larkspur is a poisonous plant which, when ingested, leads to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and muscular spasms.
The spur of the flower, which is reminiscent of parts of a lark, created this flower’s name. The town of Larkspur, Colorado was named by the Governor’s wife Elizabeth Hunt in 1871. The abundance of delphiniums (larkspur) growing in the area led to this fitting tribute.
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