Botanical Name: Consolida regalis
Family: Ranunculaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Genus: Consolida
Species: C. regalis
Synonyms:
*Delphinium consolida L.
*Consolida arvensis Opiz
*Consolida regalis subsp.
*Consolida segetum Schur
*Delphidium consolida (L.) Raf.
*Delphinium consolida L.
*Delphinium consolida subsp.
*Delphinium diffusum Stokes
*Delphinium divaricatum Dulac
*Delphinium segetum Lam.
*Delphinium versicolor Salisb
Common Names: Forking larkspur, Rocket-larkspur, Field larkspur, Larkspur and Royal knight’s-spur
Habitat: Consolida regalis is native to S. Europe. A rare casual in Britain.It grows in the cornfields and waste places, usually on sandy or chalky soils, avoiding shade in Britain.
Description:
Consolida regalis is an annual/biennial herb,L growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). The stem is erect, hairy and very branched at the top. The roots grow into the soil up to a depth of 50 centimetres (20 in), so the plant can survive long periods of drought. The leaves are alternately arranged. The inflorescence is a cluster with five to eight hermaphrodite flowers. The flowers are dark blue or purple with five sepals. The upper sepal is prolonged in a spur of 15–18 millimetres (0.59–0.71 in) long, pointing toward the back. There are eight to ten stamens. The flowering period extends from May through August.
It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
The flowers are pollinated by hymenoptera and lepidoptera. The seeds ripen from June through September. All plant parts are poisonous in large doses, especially the seeds, that contain up to 1.4% of alkaloids.
Cultivation:
An easily grown plant, it prefers a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Plants succeeded when growing in a dry shady position in the hot dry summer of 1989. A very ornamental plant. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes. Other reports say that it is a good companion for wheat. A good bee plant. Plants resent root disturbance and should not be transplanted.
Propagation:
Through Seeds- best sown as soon as it is ripe in situ. It can also be autumn sown in areas with mild winters, otherwise sow in succession from spring to early summer. The seed usually germinates in 2 – 3 weeks.
Edible Uses: Not known.
Medicinal Uses:
Larkspur was at one time used internally in the treatment of a range of diseases, but its only certain action is a violent purgative and nowadays it is only occasionally used in folk medicine. It is of value, however, when used externally, to kill skin parasites. The plant should be used with caution, see the notes above on toxicity. The seed is anthelmintic, mildly diuretic, hypnotic, purgative and vasodilator. It has been used internally in the treatment of spasmodic asthma and dropsy. The flowers or the whole plant are mildly diuretic and hypotensive. The expressed juice of the leaves has been considered an effective application to bleeding piles. A conserve made from the flowers has been seen as a good remedy for children when subject to violent purging. The juice of the flowers has also been used as a treatment for colic.
Other Uses:
A strong tincture of the fresh seed is used externally to kill lice and nits in the head and pubic hair. It is also effective against aphids and thrips. A good blue ink is obtained from the expressed juice of the petals together with a little alum. It is made from the leaves according to another report. It is also used as a dye and is green when mixed with alum.
Known Hazards: All parts of the plant are poisonous in large doses. The seed is especially toxic
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consolida_regalis
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Consolida+regalis
