Larkspur, Royal knight's-spur

Consolida regalis

Physical Characteristics

Consolida regalis is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). 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. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S. Europe. A rare casual in Britain[17].

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Diuretic Hypnotic Hypotensive Parasiticide Purgative Vasodilator 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[268]. It is of value, however, when used externally, to kill skin parasites[268]. The plant should be used with caution[9, 21], see the notes above on toxicity. The seed is anthelmintic, mildly diuretic, hypnotic, purgative and vasodilator[21]. It has been used internally in the treatment of spasmodic asthma and dropsy[4]. The flowers or the whole plant are mildly diuretic and hypotensive[9]. The expressed juice of the leaves has been considered an effective application to bleeding piles[4]. A conserve made from the flowers has been seen as a good remedy for children when subject to violent purging[4]. The juice of the flowers has also been used as a treatment for colic[4].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are poisonous in large doses[4, 21, 65]. The seed is especially toxic[4].