The Birthflower for July

Native to the North Temperature Zone, Larkspur is a plant with bright flowers and spurred calyx and symbolizes feelings of an open heart and ardent attachment. Larkspur is a popular garden plant, which will grow up 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 and 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.

Folklore reveals a number of names for this flower including lark’s heel, lark’s toe, lark’s claw, knight’s spur and staggerweed. In Greek mythology larkspur sprang up from the blood of Alex after he killed himself following a temper tantrum resulting in an act of dishonor when he did not receive Achilles’ armor. Soldiers were also said to use larkspur in ancient times as a method to control body lice.

Larkspur was also said to have had magical powers as 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 those who died in war. Contemporary medicinal uses of the larkspur centre primarily on the treatment of scorpion stings as an antidote.

The flower is also associated with gaiety, levity and purity of heart. There are secret meanings to three colors of larkspur including “Fickleness” (pink), “Joyful, Happy-Go-Lucky” (white) and “You Have Such A Sweet Disposition” (purple).