Parkwell's
Floral Designs, Inc.
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Larkspur or Delphinium
Delphinium
—Common Names:—
Lark's Heel
Lark's Claw
Elijah's Chariot
Larkspur is the flower of July.
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The Larkspur or Delphinium, are tall and slender flowers, in colors of white, blue, purple, red and various shades of green.
The larkspur and delphinium are close relatives; both are named for the shape of their flowers.
"Delphis" meaning Dolphin, refers to the shape of the back of the flower which resembles the bottle-like nose of a dolphin.
The spur, looks like parts of the lark; and therefore often called "Larkspur", "Lark's Heel" or "Lark's Claw."
The white delphinium is also called "Elijah's Chariot."
The larkspur's foliage is more delicate than the delphinium.
According to Greek legend, Achilles' mother requested that her son's armor be given to the most heroic Greek warrior during the Battle of Troy.
Although the brave Ajax expected to be chosen, the armor was given to Ulysses.
Dejected, Ajax threw himself on his sword, and small blue delphiniums or larkspurs sprung from the blood that fell to the ground.
Delphinium petals are marked with the Greek letters AI, the Greek cry of mourning.
During the Dark Ages, the delphinium seed was believed to render men invisible.
In medieval England, the root was an important ingredient in love potions.
Delphiniums were used by West Coast Native Americans to make blue dye and European settlers made ink from ground delphinium flowers.
Ground to a powder, the seeds were used to treat a toothache.
It was used to treat for lice in the hair of the warriors during the American Civil War, and at the Battle of Waterloo wounds were dressed with delphinium.
The wild strains are often the cause of death among cattle, as the plants are very poisonous, and should not be ingested or used with food.
Delphiniums and Larkspurs signify an open heart and devotion.
They symbolize lightness and swiftness.
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