Delphinium

Delphinium elatum

Family: Ranunculaceae

Related Genera: Aconitum, Anemone, Aquilegia, Helleborus, Pulsatilla, Ranunculus

Names: Candle Larkspur, Hoher Rittersporn

General: Most Delphinium garden hybrids and cultivars are derived from Delphinium elatum (syn: Delphinium × elatum), native to the Alps. Perrenial, grows on lime soils, on woodland clearings, as part of tall herbaceous vegetations, moist rock habitats and alongside rivers. Up to 1–2 m high stems, with tall spires or racemes of flowers in colors from deep and light blue to purple. There are also lilac, light pink and white flowering variants. They are mostly grown as ornamental plants, for traditional and native plant gardens. Flowering from June to August, they attract butterflies and other pollinators. Each flower develops a follicle, which contains numerous small black seeds.

The juice of the flowers, mixed with alum, gives a blue ink.

Delphinium cultivar

Sowing & Growing: The seeds have a short term viability. Use fresh seeds. Best is if they are sown directly after you gathered them from the plant. Sowing temperature: 22-24°C. Cover with soil. 
Grows on lime soils, on woodland clearings, as part of tall herbaceous vegetations, moist rock habitats and alongside rivers. Plant 50 cm apart, in full sun. Water regularly, but do not overwater. Soil should be evenly moist, humus rich and well-drained. PH should be neutral and not acidic (eventually add lime). Hardy, no winter-protection needed. Prone to mildew: cut back and discard all infested parts. May need staking from strong winds, or plant at the fence or infront of a stonewall. Remove flowerheads after flowering, unless seeds are wanted.

History & Folklore: Delphinium elatum has been cultivated since at least 1578 and constitutes the main parental unit for most garden cultivars. The name Delphinium, from Greek delphis, a dolphin, is inspired by the shape of the nectary.

Delphinium was one of the herbs used on the feast of St. John, and as such, warded off lightning. In Transylvania, one was used to keep witches from the stables. Another superstition helt that drinking the seed of larkspur was thought to help against the stings of scorpions, and that other poisonous animals could not move when covered by the herb. Sacred to Saint Odile of Alsace, a patroness of good eyesight, in popular medicine Delphinium was used against eye diseases.

The seeds have been used against parasites, especially lice and their nits in the hair. A tincture is used against asthma and dropsy.

Medicinal & Toxicological: All parts of the plant contain various diterpenoid alkaloids, especially methyllycaconitine (MLA). MLA has "curare-like" properties and plays a roll in livestock poisoning. An overdose can lead to death through complete motor paralysis and respiratory arrest.

In small amounts, extracts of the plant have been used in herbal medicine.

All parts of these plants are considered toxic to humans, causing severe digestive discomfort if ingested, and also skin irritation.

Biochemical:

Methyllycaconitine

Sources: Wikipedia,