larkspur

noun

lark·​spur ˈlärk-ˌspər 

1

: delphinium

2

: any of the delphiniums that are annuals, have the upper two petals of the corolla united and the bottom two missing, are now often placed in a separate genus (Consolida), and include several widely cultivated forms

Examples of larkspur in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The flowers range from delicate snow lilies and fairy slipper orchids to dwarf larkspur and Colorado blue columbines, the state flower. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Apr. 2024

Giant larkspurs and lush artemisias weaved their way across the Art Deco stairway as guests ascended the reception hall. —Maia Torres, Vogue, 4 Apr. 2024

Wildflowers found at various elevations include mountain shooting star, Western columbine, elephant’s head, and slim larkspur. —Krista Simmons and J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024

Options for your new plantings include pinks, sweet alyssum, larkspurs, snapdragons, Iceland poppies, stocks, foxgloves, wallflowers, ornamental Swiss chard and, a little closer to March, petunias. —Neil Sperry, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

larkspur

noun

lark·​spur ˈlärk-ˌspər 

: delphinium

especially : a cultivated delphinium grown for its stalks of showy blue, pink, or white flowers

Medical Definition

larkspur

noun

lark·​spur ˈlärk-ˌspər 

1

: delphinium sense 2

2

a

: any of various annual Eurasian herbaceous plants (genus Consolida) that were formerly placed in the same genus as the delphiniums

b

: the dried seeds of a European larkspur (Consolida ajacis synonym Delphinium ajacis) used especially in a topical preparation to kill head lice