larkspur

larkspur, in botany

larkspur, any north temperate, Old World annual of the genus Consolida of the buttercup family. Consolida species were formerly classified in the genus Delphinium, which includes similar annual, biennial, and perennial herbaceous plants of the northern temperate zone that are commonly called larkspurs or delphiniums. Plants of both genera are popular garden plants, especially favored for their blue-flowered varieties. In many cultivated larkspurs and delphiniums the spurred flowers, usually blue, pink, or white, rise in a spire above the deeply cut leaves. Most native North American delphinium species are poisonous to cattle. Larkspurs and delphiniums are classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Ranunculales, family Ranunculaceae.

---

Larkspur, city, United States

Larkspur, city (1990 pop. 11,070), Marin co., W Calif., a prestigious residential suburb of San Francisco near Mt. Tamalpais; inc. 1908. The region's scenic beauty and excellent beaches attract many visitors. Nearby Larkspur Canyon has a redwood grove.

---

larkspur

 or delphinium

Dwarf larkspur (Delphinium tricorne)

(credit: Louise K. Broman from Root Resources—EB Inc.)

Any of about 300 species of herbaceous plants that make up the genus Delphinium in the buttercup family, many of which are grown for their showy flower stalks. Annual larkspurs (sometimes separated as the genus Consolida) include the common rocket larkspur (D. ajacis, or C. ambigua) and its varieties, up to 2 ft (60 cm) tall, with bright blue, pink, or white flowers on branching stalks. Perennial larkspurs, often with blue flowers, include species that grow to 4.5 ft (1.4 m).

---

larkspur

any of various ranunculaceous plants of the genus Delphinium, with spikes of blue, pink, or white irregular spurred flowers