July's flower, Larkspur

Representing this month is the beautiful Larkspur, generally associated with richly blue flowers, but also seen in white, pink and purple. Generally this fanciful name is reserved for the annual species and varieties of Consolida while Delphinium is the genus and vernacular name of perennial species of larkspur.

The name ‘larkspur’ refers to the spurred calyx reportedly in the shape of the lark, also native to western Europe. The flowers express several qualities and emotions depending on the colour: pink is equated with Fickleness, white with Joyfulness and purple with a Sweet Disposition.

Nova Scotia has no native species of neither Consolida nor Delphinium, although both were popular garden flowers for cutting or cottage display. Like a near relative, Monk’s-hood, all parts of the plants, especially the seeds are considered poisonous and even deadly. A death in Newfoundland of a young actor in 2004 was attributed to ingesting Monkshood.

Larkspurs are members of the Buttercup family, but unlike Columbine do not seem to thrive here outside of cultivation.

Curious about what plants are native to Nova Scotia? Look no further than the Contact Us button on the header. Free download of the NS Plants manuscript.


Garden catalogue from 1906