delphinium

[ del-fin-ee-uhm ]

noun

, plural del·phin·i·ums, del·phin·i·a [del-, fin, -ee-, uh].

1. any of numerous plants of the genus Delphinium, especially any of various tall, cultivated species having usually blue, pink, or white flowers.

delphinium

/ dɛlˈfɪnɪəm /

noun

1. See larkspur
   any ranunculaceous plant of the genus Delphinium: many varieties are cultivated as garden plants for their spikes of blue, pink, or white spurred flowers See also larkspur

Word History and Origins

Origin of delphinium¹

1655–65; < New Latin < Greek delphī́nion larkspur, derivative of delphī́s (stem delphīn- ) dolphin; so called from the shape of the nectary

Word History and Origins

Origin of delphinium¹

C17: New Latin, from Greek delphinion larkspur, from delphis dolphin , referring to the shape of the nectary

Example Sentences

On either side of the Delphinium have clumps of about a dozen Lilium candidum, which bloom at the same time.

From Project Gutenberg

Good-sized roots of the Delphinium formosum, lovely dark blue, are a dollar and twenty-five cents a dozen.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a horrid small white worm which attacks the roots of the Delphinium, and gives no sign until you see the plant dying.

From Project Gutenberg

As I have said before, the Delphinium blossoms at the same time as Lilium candidum, and should be planted near by.

From Project Gutenberg

As the lilies faded and the delphinium grew old and went to seed, the old stalks were cut away.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Delphinium

What does delphinium mean?

A delphinium is a tall plant with blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. The flower itself is also commonly called a delphinium.

The plural is delphiniums or delphinia.

The genus Delphinium includes more than 300 species, and any of these can be referred to as a delphinium. Another name for the delphinium is larkspur (though not all flowers referred to as larkspurs are in the genus Delphinium). Delphiniums are part of the family Ranunculaceae.

Delphinium is one of the July birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone). The blue variety is popular in bouquets.

Example: I planted delphiniums behind the rose bush to give it a nice backdrop.

Where does delphinium come from?

The first records of the word delphinium in English come from the mid-1600s. It comes from the Greek delphī́nion, a derivative of delphī́s, meaning “dolphin.” Its name comes from the shape of the flower’s nectary (the part that nectar comes out of), which resembles a dolphin.

Delphiniums are often planted in gardens for their height and the beauty of their flowers. They typically bloom from late spring to early summer. However, they have a reputation for being difficult to maintain, especially in hot, dry weather.

All species of delphinium are highly toxic to both humans and animals if ingested.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to delphinium?

• delphiniums (plural)
• delphinia (plural)

What are some synonyms for delphinium?

• larkspur

What are some words that share a root or word element with delphinium? 

• dolphin

What are some words that often get used in discussing delphinium?

• flower
• plant
• blue
• purple
• pink
• white
• garden
• perennial

How is delphinium used in real life?

Delphiniums are popular in gardens and in bouquets. The blue variety is especially popular.

Probably a coincidence but April 19 (comeback day) and May 21 (Aron's birthday) share the same birth flower, larkspur/delphinium 🥺 (in Korea, each day gets a specific flower)

— Jee😊 (@jeeelim5) March 23, 2021

Spring wedding from last year. A dear bride, whom l have known since she was a little girl. Natural peony and baby blue delphinium bouquet. pic.twitter.com/jh2gG6e0O8

— Shirley's Designs (@ShirlsDesigns) April 11, 2017

We don't grow many Delphinium in our garden (bit too dry and windy for them) but we do love this one 'Sweet Sensation', part of the Highlander series. It's been in for about 5 years now & looks great in May/June (depending on the season) & again on a second flush in late summer pic.twitter.com/HsMWkkNRLy

— Ian and Teresa Moss (@IanTeresaMoss) May 21, 2020

Try using delphinium!

True or False? 

Delphiniums are poisonous if eaten.