LARKSPUR
Larkspur, delphinium, lark’s claw, knight’s spurDelphinium ajacis—RANUNCULACEAE
Larkspur, delphinium, lark’s claw, knight’s spurDelphinium ajacis—RANUNCULACEAE
Description:The cultivated larkspurs found in New England are annuals or perennials found in many gardens and produce showy blossoms with many colors (usually white and violet-purple) growing on erect flower stalks. Leaves are divided into parts and have the general outline of a bird’s foot. The small seeds which form in dry follicles are usually pointed and very irregular in shape. The plant varies in height from 2 to 4 feet.
Poisonous Parts:Leaves and seeds contain toxic alkaloids which when ingested may affect the nervous system. Tingling sensations of the mouth may at first be experienced followed by excitation and severe depression. Animals poisoned by wild larkspurs growing on western ranges stagger and appear to develop symptoms of tetany. Powdered larkspur seed is also found in some commercial lice remedies.
Antidote:Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform gastric lavage and treat for alkaloid (ajacine) poisoning and central nervous system excitation using short-acting barbiturates because of subsequent depression.