Consolida ambigua (L.) P.W.Ball & Heyw.
Fully hardy annual with fern-like leaves and tall spires of flowers in pink, white or violet-blue. Many garden cultivars exist. To 1.2m. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Consolida ambigua, the ‘Larkspur’, is a more likely identification than the common garden plants known as ‘Delphinium’ today, which are predominantly hybrids of Delphinium species. Delphinium ajacis was introduced to Britain in 1573 from Switzerland. [JD]. Don. ‘Lark’s-spur. Delphinium, or Consolida regalis. It grows to a yard high, the leaves are a dark green, and the flowers commonly a fine blue, but sometimes a purple. It is sown every year in gardens, and flowers most part of the summer. This is esteemed a vulnerary plant, of a healing nature. Matthiolus says it cures the rheums and inflammations of the eyes; mixed with honey & drank with sweet wine it removes the sharpness of urine. It likewise closes up fresh wounds and heals ulcers.’ Blackwell pl.26/1737.
History at Camden Park
Listed in all published catalogues. Larkspur seed, ‘German, 12 kinds, extra fine, was ordered from Warner & Warner, Seedsmen and Florists, Cornhill, on 12th April 1846. [MP A2933-1, p.131].
Notes
Delphinium ajacis Ledeb. (1842-1853) = Delphinium orientale J.Gay
Published Feb 04, 2009 - 05:17 PM | Last updated Jul 29, 2010 - 06:02 PM
Consolida ambigua (L.) P.W.Ball & Heyw. | Blackwell pl.26 | BHL
| Family | Ranunculaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Mediterranean |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Larkspur, Annual larkspur |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | |
| Confidence level | medium |