Delphinium

Delphinium is a genus of about 300 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and also on the high mountains of tropical Africa. The common name "larkspur" is shared between perennial Delphinium species and annual species of the genus Consolida.

Description

All members of the Delphinium genus are toxic to humans and livestock. The common name "larkspur" is shared between perennial Delphinium species and annual species of the genus Consolida. The plants are used in traditional medicine, and several species are grown as ornamental plants.

Species

The genus includes several dozen species, including:

• Delphinium elatum - Alpine Delphinium
• Delphinium grandiflorum - Siberian larkspur
• Delphinium staphisagria - Stavesacre

Cultivation and uses

Delphiniums are popular in horticultural circles. They are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including the dot moth and small angle shades. Some species are used in herbal medicine.

Toxicity

All parts of these plants are considered toxic to humans, causing severe digestive discomfort if ingested, and skin irritation. Some species contain the alkaloid delphinine, which has been used to kill vermin.

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• List of Lepidoptera that feed on Delphiniums

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