WSU Clark County Extension
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Rocket Larkspur

Scientific name: Consolida ajacis
Taxonomy
Family:Ranunculaceae
Type:Annuals and Biennials
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:1 to 11
Sun:Full sun
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:3 ft
Width:1 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:Purple
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description This plant develops quickly, shooting up like a rocket, hence the common name. It is also referred to as Annual Delphinium.

  Morphology:
Larkspur is a garden annual plant which grows to a height of 2’-3’. It often produces 2 or 3 forking stems. Stems are round and pubescent, although with age they often become glabrous (smooth). The alternate leaves are palmately divided, and up to 3" long and across. Their lobes repeatedly subdivide into smaller lobes that are narrowly linear, providing the leaves with a lacy appearance

The flowering spike may be single or branched. Each flower is about 2" across, consisting of 5 petal-like sepals, 4 petals, a single pistil and some stamens with light blue anthers. The upper sepal forms a hood in front and an upward-curving spur in back about 1" long. Most commonly the flowers are blue to lilac, but there will be some thar are white, or pink.

  Adaptation:
Larkspurs thrive in full sun. It is drought tolerant.

This plant spreads by reseeding itself, and may form colonies at favorable sites, although it usually doesn't persist.

All parts of the plant are poisonous.

  Pests:
None reported.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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