Larkspur, Doubtful knight's-spur, Rocket Larkspur
Consolida ambigua

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Bloom Color: Blue, Pink, Purple, Red, White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer. Form: Upright or erect.

Consolida ambigua is a ANNUAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Corn fields.

Europe - Mediterranean.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Oil: Oil

Medicine

Rating: 2

Larkspur formerly had a reputation for its ability to consolidate and heal wounds, whilst the juice from the leaves is considered to be a remedy for piles and an infusion of the flowers and leaves has been used as a remedy for colicky children. However, the whole plant is very poisonous and it should not be used internally without the guidance of an expert. Externally, it can be used as a parasiticide. A tincture of the seed is applied externally to kill lice in the hair.

Parasiticide: Treats external parasites such as ringworm This should perhaps be joined with Parasiticide in

Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.

Other

Rating:

The seed is insecticidal. A tincture made from the seed is said to be effective against hair nits. There is uncertainty as to whether the insecticidal effect is due to the oil or alkaloids in the seed. The seed contains 39% of a fixed oil, though the report does not say if this is ever exploited.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.

How it is grown

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Foundation, Massing, Woodland garden. An easily grown plant, it prefers a sunny position in a well-drained soil. This species is called Consolida ajacis by some botanists. Larkspur is a greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Plants resent root disturbance and should not be transplanted. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Naturalizing, Suitable for cut flowers, Suitable for dried flowers.

Propagating it: Seed - sow in succession from spring to early summer in situ. Germinates in 2 - 3 weeks. Seedlings transplant badly. An autumn sowing can succeed in areas with mild winters. The seed has a short viability and should not be stored for more than one season.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The whole plant is poisonous.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. ajacis.