Delphinium

Day 255: There is an abundance of confusion when it comes to the delphinium/larkspur debate, much of it arising from revisions of taxonomy coupled with inconsistent application of common names. This is a garden variety Delphinium, and by "garden variety," I mean precisely that: a plant you'll find in the garden. Delphiniums are generally perennial, tall, with flowering stems sometimes reaching up to six feet, with flat-faced, open blooms borne all along the spike. The Delphinium known as Larkspur is commonly an annual, shorter, with wiry stems adorned with only a few flowers spaced rather more openly. "Delphinium" currently applies to both, but "Larkspurs" were classed previously as Consolida. As romantic as the common name "Larkspur" is, if it's in a garden, call it a Delphinium. If it's in the backcountry, call it a Larkspur. That should get you through most situations where you have to make a judgment call.