Definition

1. Noun:
   • A flowering plant of the genus Delphinium: A tall garden plant characterized by having leaves divided in a hand-like (palmate) pattern and producing tall, showy spikes of flowers. The flowers are often spurred and come in various colors, most commonly shades of blue, purple, white, or pink. Some species contain toxic alkaloids.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The blue delphiniums added a striking vertical element to the cottage garden.
  • She carefully staked the tall delphiniums to prevent them from bending in the wind.
  • All parts of the delphinium are considered poisonous if ingested.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical or horticultural contexts: The term is used precisely to refer to plants within this specific genus, which is part of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae).
  • The hybridizer developed a new cultivar of delphinium with exceptionally dark blue flowers.

Variants and Related Words

• Larkspur: A common name often used interchangeably with "delphinium," though it sometimes specifically refers to annual species within the genus.
  • The field was covered with wild larkspur (Delphinium consolida).

Synonyms

• Larkspur: The most common synonym.
• Candle larkspur: A descriptive synonym for tall, spike-flowered varieties.

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is botanical. The word is rarely used metaphorically or in non-literal contexts.
• A critical aspect of the definition is the mention of toxicity. While prized for their beauty, many delphiniums contain diterpenoid alkaloids (like delphinine) which can be harmful to humans and livestock if consumed.

Noun

1. any plant of the genus Delphinium having palmately divided leaves and showy spikes of variously colored spurred flowers; some contain extremely poisonous substances