Larkspurs were a favorite of mine as a child, 70 plus years ago. It seemed all the flower gardens we visited had larkspur in their gardens. Historically larkspurs appear in Greek mythology and ancient Roman beliefs.
England and Transylvania used them for protection from ghosts, magic, lightning, and witches. Italy and the Pawnee tribe of North America had mythological beliefs of how the larkspur came to be. To learn more, visit the Penn State internet reference listed .
Larkspur is symbolic of a beautiful spirit, swiftness and generally of positivity and strong bonds of love. The flowers grow in groups along a single stalk and each flower has five petals and a protruding center or “spur.” Hence the name Larkspur.
This long, nectary spur protrudes backwards from the flower and is attractive to pollinators. Light airy foliage is blue-green and fern-like, adding to the beauty of the plant. Mature plants can be up to 3 or 4 feet tall.
In addition to the spur the flowers, when newly opened, sport a bunny head. The head is not as obvious on flowers which are not bicolor, but the shape of the bunny head remains. The bunny head is best seen as the flower opens since it loses its shape as it opens further.
If you are working on an easy maintenance garden, Larkspur should be in your plan. Although it is not a perennial, it easily reseeds as an annual. Sign up to get our free daily email of the biggest stories! Like other Texas wildflowers, it blooms early in spring, seeds in summer.