Larkspur, Royal knight's-spur
Consolida regalis

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Consolida regalis is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Cornfields and waste places, usually on sandy or chalky soils, avoiding shade in Britain.

S. Europe. A rare casual in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 3

Larkspur was at one time used internally in the treatment of a range of diseases, but its only certain action is a violent purgative and nowadays it is only occasionally used in folk medicine. It is of value, however, when used externally, to kill skin parasites. The plant should be used with caution, see the notes above on toxicity. The seed is anthelmintic, mildly diuretic, hypnotic, purgative and vasodilator. It has been used internally in the treatment of spasmodic asthma and dropsy. The flowers or the whole plant are mildly diuretic and hypotensive. The expressed juice of the leaves has been considered an effective application to bleeding piles. A conserve made from the flowers has been seen as a good remedy for children when subject to violent purging. The juice of the flowers has also been used as a treatment for colic.

Anthelmintic: Expels parasites from the gut.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Hypnotic: Induces sleep.

Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure

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

Purgative: A drastic laxative causing a cleansing or watery evacuation of the bowels, usually with a griping pain.

Vasodilator: Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Other

Rating: 2

A strong tincture of the fresh seed is used externally to kill lice and nits in the head and pubic hair. It is also effective against aphids and thrips. A good blue ink is obtained from the expressed juice of the petals together with a little alum. It is made from the leaves according to another report. It is also used as a dye and is green when mixed with alum.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Ink: Plants that can be used as an ink.

Insecticide: Kills insects.

Parasiticide: Kills external body parasites such as hair lice.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

An easily grown plant, it prefers a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Plants succeeded when growing in a dry shady position in the hot dry summer of 1989. A very ornamental plant. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Other reports say that it is a good companion for wheat. A good bee plant. Plants resent root disturbance and should not be transplanted.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in situ. It can also be autumn sown in areas with mild winters, otherwise sow in succession from spring to early summer. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Annual/Biennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

All parts of the plant are poisonous in large doses. The seed is especially toxic.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Delphinium consolida.