Flower of July - The Larkspur

Larkspur, can refer to any one of 300 species of perennial flowering plants in the delphinium family, as well as to their close cousins in the consolida family. Its genus name, delphinium, comes from the Greek word for dolphin, because the plant was said to resemble a dolphin’s nose. Other popular names include lark’s heel, lark’s claw and knight’s spur.

The flowers grow in groups along a single stalk, much like gladioli, and range in color from whites and yellows to deep reds, blues, and purples. Each flower has five petals and a protruding center – its “spur.”

Larkspur is poisonous if ingested, and is responsible for many cattle deaths in areas where it grows wild in pastures. This flower has significance in Greek mythology as it grew from the blood of Ajax as he threw himself on his sword during the Battle of Troy. Native Americans used Larkspurs to make a rich, blue dye. European settlers used it to dip their quills in as blue ink. It is also said to have medicinal and magical properties, and has been used to cure eye diseases, asthma, dropsy, and head lice. It was also believed to provide protection against lightning, and, in Transylvania, it was planted around stables, allegedly to to keep witches away.

http://www.farmersalmanac.com/blog/2011/07/04/july-flower-lore/

http://www.1stinflowers.com/fom_july.html