larkspur

¹ American  

[lahrk-spur] / ˈlɑrkˌspɜr /

noun

1. any of several plants belonging to the genera Delphinium and Consolida, of the buttercup family, characterized by the spur-shaped formation of the calyx and petals.

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Larkspur ² American  

[lahrk-spur] / ˈlɑrkˌspɜr /

noun

1. a town in W California.

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larkspur British  

/ ˈlɑːkˌspɜː /

noun

1. any of various ranunculaceous plants of the genus Delphinium, with spikes of blue, pink, or white irregular spurred flowers

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Usage

What does larkspur mean? A larkspur is a tall plant with spiky blue, purple, pink, or white flowers. The flower itself is also commonly called a larkspur. The larkspur is part of the genus Delphinium and the genus Consolida. Larkspurs are part of the family Ranunculaceae. Many varieties of larkspur are popular as ornamental plants in flower gardens. The larkspur is one of the July birth flowers (a flower that’s associated with a particular month in the same way as a birthstone). They are often used in bouquets. Example: The larkspurs in the garden are just starting to bloom.

Etymology

Origin of larkspur

First recorded in 1570–80; lark ¹ + spur ¹

Example Sentences

Hardy annuals, such as poppies, larkspur, love-in-a-mist and bachelor buttons, benefit from a winter chill and bloom earlier than a spring sowing.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 25, 2023

On a recent afternoon, I hiked to the farm through patches of cactuses, agave and tall weeds where once there were rows of yellow sunflowers, orange poppies and blue larkspur.

From New York Times • May 1, 2023

So are the dry places, with yellow balsamroot and electric blue low larkspur.

From Salon • Apr. 21, 2019

Our days will be spent hiking nearby peaks, exploring a rock garden in a not-too-distant canyon, playing Scrabble, preparing big, nourishing meals, admiring the columbine, lupine and larkspur, and simply taking it all in.

From Washington Post • Jun. 25, 2015

The end of another sentence...hollyhocks like distilled sunsets and larkspur like concentrate of heaven.

From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith