Forking larkspur

Blue flowers with a spur

The forking larkspur is an annual herb of the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae, the same as columbine and buttercup. It is related to the garden delphiniums. Its flowers, gathered in loose spikes, are an intense blue-violet and bear a characteristic long spur, formed by a petal extended backward. The stems are slender and branching, and the leaves finely divided into thread-like segments.

Origin and habitat

It is widespread in Europe and western Asia. It once grew abundantly as a weed in cereal fields, being one of the arable plants, now rare due to intensive agriculture. It favours well-drained, sunny, chalky soils.

Cultivation

It is easy to grow from seed, sown in autumn or spring directly where it is to grow, in full sun. It is hardy and resists cold and drought. It flowers in early summer and is appreciated by pollinators, especially long-tongued bees and bumblebees able to reach the nectar hidden in the spur.

Warning: a toxic plant

Like many Ranunculaceae, it contains alkaloids and is toxic if eaten, both to people and to livestock. Keep it away from children and animals that might chew its parts, and handle it with a little care.

Care

It needs little attention: sparing watering and no waterlogging. It self-seeds readily. It is a fine choice for flowery meadows and naturalistic gardens, where it recreates the look of the old wheat fields.