Consolida ambigua
| Consolida ambigua | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Self Pollinated | |
| Height: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Consolida ambigua (common name: larkspur)
Propagation: Seed - sow in succession from spring to early summer in situ. Germinates in 2 - 3 weeks[1]. Seedlings transplant badly[1]. An autumn sowing can succeed in areas with mild winters[1]. The seed has a short viability and should not be stored for more than one season[1].
Cultivation: An easily grown plant, it prefers a sunny position in a well-drained soil.
This species is called Consolida ajacis by some botanists[2].
Larkspur is a greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[3].
Plants resent root disturbance and should not be transplanted[1].
Range: Europe - Mediterranean.
Habitat: Corn fields[4].
Medicinal: Larkspur formerly had a reputation for its ability to consolidate and heal wounds[4], whilst the juice from the leaves is considered to be a remedy for piles and an infusion of the flowers and leaves has been used as a remedy for colicky children[4]. However, the whole plant is very poisonous and it should not be used internally without the guidance of an expert.
Externally, it can be used as a parasiticide[5]. A tincture of the seed is applied externally to kill lice in the hair[6].
Usage: The seed is insecticidal[6]. A tincture made from the seed is said to be effective against hair nits[4]. There is uncertainty as to whether the insecticidal effect is due to the oil or alkaloids in the seed[6].
The seed contains 39% of a fixed oil, though the report does not say if this is ever exploited[6].
Pollinators: Bees, lepidoptera
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: The whole plant is poisonous[5].
Also Known As: C. ajacis.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Diggs, George and Barney Lipscomb. Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas. Botanical Research Institute, 1999.
- ↑ Hatfield, Audrey. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd, 1974.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 Phillips, Roger. Herbs. Pan Books, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Coffey, Timothy. The History and Folklore of North American Wild Flowers. Facts on File, 1993.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.