Delphinium exaltatum
Wild Larkspur
Magically, this plant is associated with Litha (Midsummer). In England,
it was thought to be a favorite of witches. To me, its shape makes it
very much a Fairy plant, and it's wonderful for cottage gardens.
People considered that the flowers looked like the feet of larks, so
consider this plant for bird magic--and as a Venus
herb. Oddly enough, a number of plants in
this family are named for birds, such as crowfoot, yet the larkspur's
Latin name, Delphinium, comes from the fact that the Greeks thought the
nectary of the flowers resembled a dolphin, and because of a myth about
a dolphin that facing death in spite of its good deeds, was rescued by
the gods by being turned into this plant. So larkspur might also be
effective in Water magic. This flower is also connected with blood. In one Italian myth, men who
slew a dragon cleaned their swords on the grass, the the drops of the
dragon's blood became larkspurs. This resonates with the story of Ajax,
who was so distraught over not being given the armor of his deceased
friend, Achilles, he killed himself with his sword; his drops of blood
became larkspurs. Thus, this plant has possibilities as a warrior herb
and in dragon magic. Its flower essence encourages leadership, enthusiasm, and service, but
in the language of flowers, larkspur stands for fickleness and
silliness (sort of the negative side of Venus). Top
The flowerheads can be used to make a blue dye for fiber and as a
colorant for ritual purposes. However, this plant, especially the root
and the seeds, is a deadly poison; it's a member of the buttercup
family, the most poisonous of them all, and in the hellebore
tribe. It does make a nice cut flower, though. This is the ancestor of
domesticated delphiniums, but it is tame enough that it can be grown in
containers outside. It's especially nice for planting in open woodland
gardens. Top
How to grow wild larkspur Sow in a paper towel that has been wet and wrung out. Fold and put in a
thin baggie, folding the top closed instead of zipping it, and put in
the coldest part of the refrigerator or outside in a shed or unheated
garage during winter (Outdoor Treatment) for 90 days. Then sow.
Transplant to rich, moist soil and full sun up north and afternoon
shade farther south (in excess shade, it will be floppy and smallish).
Purple or white flowers appear on stalks 4-6ft/120cm tall in
July-September and attract butterflies. Deadhead to get more blooms.
This plant can stand up to the heat of the North American
continental summers, unlike its domesticated delphinium relatives. It
is hardy in zones 4-9 (temperate and warm climate areas). General
growing info.
Top
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Delphinium exaltatum Wild Larkspur 65 seeds
$3.75
Uses in
Witchcraft & Magic:
Repels Ghosts
Warrior Herb
Protection Spells
Summer Solstice Celebrations
Venus Herb
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