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larkspur

1

[ lahrk-spur ]

noun

  1. any of several plants belonging to the genera Delphinium and Consolida, of the buttercup family, characterized by the spur-shaped formation of the calyx and petals.


Larkspur

2

[ lahrk-spur ]

noun

  1. a town in W California.

larkspur

/ ˈlɑːkˌspɜː /

noun

  1. any of various ranunculaceous plants of the genus Delphinium, with spikes of blue, pink, or white irregular spurred flowers
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of larkspur1

First recorded in 1570–80; lark 1 + spur 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of larkspur1

C16: lark 1+ spur
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Example Sentences

Hardy annuals, such as poppies, larkspur, love-in-a-mist and bachelor buttons, benefit from a winter chill and bloom earlier than a spring sowing.

On a recent afternoon, I hiked to the farm through patches of cactuses, agave and tall weeds where once there were rows of yellow sunflowers, orange poppies and blue larkspur.

The trail starts out in a field of wildflowers, such as paintbrush, larkspur and shooting stars.

Annuals, like larkspur, love-in-a-mist, calendula and various poppies, flower and seed generously.

Growing up in Gilroy, he’d worked on a flower farm owned by his sister’s husband, spending more time in the office going over numbers than among the larkspur and belladonnas.

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More About Larkspur

What does larkspur mean?

A larkspur is a tall plant with spiky blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. The flower itself is also commonly called a larkspur.

The larkspur is part of the genus Delphinium and the genus Consolida. Larkspurs are part of the family Ranunculaceae.

Many varieties of larkspur are popular as ornamental plants in flower gardens.

The larkspur is one of the July birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone). They are often used in bouquets.

Example: The larkspurs in the garden are just starting to bloom.

Where does larkspur come from?

The first records of the word larkspur come from the 1570s. Its name is a reference to the fact that the shape of the flower resembles the spur (claw) of a lark (the bird).

Larkspurs can be either perennial or annual. Annual varieties of larkspur only flower for one season, while perennials have a longer life cycle. They typically bloom from late spring to late summer.

Like all delphinium species, larkspurs are poisonous to both humans and animals when ingested.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for larkspur?

What are some words that share a root or word element with larkspur

What are some words that often get used in discussing larkspur?

How is larkspur used in real life?

Larkspurs are popular garden flowers. The blue variety is especially popular.

Try using larkspur!

True or False? 

Larkspurs are poisonous if eaten.

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