Larkspur, July flower

The larkspur is a pretty flower associated with July and looks like a colourful display that attracts wildlife. Tall stems with a multitude of stamens and flowers growing around and upwards, towards the sun and clouds. These look like soft little towers of the garden. Larkspur's true name Delphinium, and they come from the Ranunculaceae family that also includes buttercups and clematis. 

There are many species and hybrids of larkspur/delphinium, such as the Pine Forest Larkspur, Siberian Larkspur, Basalt Larkspur, Dwarf Larkspur, Colorado Larkspur, Scarlet Larkspur, Spiked Larkspur, Swamp Larkspur and many others.  

While pollinators, these flowers are not edible to humans or other animals. They're poisonous and can cause severe pain if eaten, even death. Avoid eating these beautiful flowers. Despite the poison, a small amount of larkspur has been used to make blue ink. They've also been used as an insect repellent and to cure head lice. 

The larkspur is associated with youth, childhood memories, new beginnings, happiness, the summer, dancing and even water, such as waves and the movement of the tides. It's said that it's reminded of dolphins, and of swaying in the breeze. The flowers are called Delphinium and it comes from ancient Greek word Delphic that means "dolphin." In Greek legend, the mother of deceased Achilles wanted to give her son's armour to the best warrior, and it was during the Trojan War. The armour was awarded to Ulysses, which disappointed the warrior Ajax who committed suicide by falling onto his sword. A blue delphinium flower grew from the blood where he died. The petals of the delphinium have tiny symbols that look like Greek letters spelling "AI", the sound of grief and mourning.

Storm Valkyrie