Delphinium vs. Larkspur — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 27, 2023
Delphinium is a genus of flowering plants, while Larkspur refers to the annual species within this genus. Both are known for their tall spikes of colorful flowers.
Difference Between Delphinium and Larkspur
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Delphinium is a term that refers to a genus of around 300 species of perennial flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family. These plants are native to the Northern Hemisphere and some parts of Africa. Larkspur, on the other hand, is a common name used specifically for the annual species within the Delphinium genus.
Both Delphinium and Larkspur are celebrated for their showy flowers which often come in shades of blue, but can also be found in purples, pinks, and whites. The main difference is in their life cycles: Delphiniums are generally perennials, coming back year after year, while Larkspurs are annuals, completing their life cycle in one year.
Delphinium plants are typically larger and more robust, with some varieties reaching heights of up to six feet or more. They are often used in borders in garden designs due to their impressive height. Larkspur, being an annual, tends to be smaller and is often used in wildflower mixes or for adding color to garden beds.
To add to the complexity, many people use the names Delphinium and Larkspur interchangeably because of their close botanical relationship. However, for those in the horticultural or botanical fields, the distinction between perennial Delphinium species and annual Larkspur species is important.
Comparison Chart
Taxonomy
A genus of about 300 species.
Refers to the annual species within Delphinium.
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Life Cycle
Perennial (lives for more than two years).
Annual (completes its life cycle in one year).
Typical Height
Can reach up to six feet or more.
Generally smaller than Delphiniums.
Usage in Gardens
Often used in borders due to their height.
Used in wildflower mixes or garden beds.
Color Range
Shades of blue, purple, pink, and white.
Typically similar to Delphinium but can vary.
Compare with Definitions
Delphinium
A plant native to the Northern Hemisphere and parts of Africa.
Native species of Delphinium can be found flourishing in the wild.
Larkspur
A plant known for its delicate, feathery leaves and colorful flowers.
Larkspur added a whimsical touch to the garden.
Delphinium
A perennial plant known for its showy flowers.
She planted Delphinium along the fence to create a visual impact.
Larkspur
An annual flowering plant within the Delphinium genus.
The wild meadow was dotted with the bright colors of Larkspur.
Delphinium
A plant often used in ornamental gardening for its height.
The Delphinium stood tall, overshadowing the other flowers in the garden.
Larkspur
Often mistaken for Delphinium due to similarities in appearance.
From a distance, it's hard to tell if it's a Larkspur or a Delphinium.
Delphinium
A symbol of positivity and openness to new experiences.
She gifted me a bouquet of Delphinium to signify a fresh start.
Larkspur
A popular choice for wildflower mixes.
The packet contained a mix of wildflowers, with Larkspur being the most dominant.
Delphinium
A genus of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family.
The garden was adorned with tall spikes of Delphinium in various shades of blue.
Larkspur
A symbol of lightness and levity.
On her birthday, he gave her Larkspur to represent the joy she brought into his life.
Delphinium
Delphinium is a genus of about 300 species of perennial flowering plants in the family Ranunculaceae, native throughout the Northern Hemisphere and also on the high mountains of tropical Africa. The genus was erected by Carl Linnaeus.All members of the genus Delphinium are toxic to humans and livestock.
Larkspur
An annual Mediterranean plant of the buttercup family, which bears spikes of spurred flowers. It is closely related to the delphiniums, with which it has been bred to produce a number of cultivated hybrids.
Delphinium
A perennial plant of the genus Delphinium of the buttercup family, especially any of several tall cultivated varieties having palmate leaves and long racemes of showy, variously colored spurred flowers. Also called larkspur.
Larkspur
See delphinium.
Delphinium
(countable) A cultivated plant, belonging to the genus Delphinium, with tall blue-colored spikes containing flowers.
Larkspur
Any of various annual plants of the genus Consolida of the buttercup family, closely related to and resembling the delphiniums and widely cultivated as ornamentals.
Delphinium
A shade of blue, named for the flowers.
Larkspur
Any plant of the genus Delphinium, especially ''Delphinium ajacis and other plants of the subgenus Delphinium subg. Consolida.
Delphinium
Any plant of the genus Delphinium having palmately divided leaves and showy spikes of variously colored spurred flowers; some contain extremely poisonous substances
Larkspur
A genus of ranunculaceous plants (Delphinium), having showy flowers, and a spurred calyx. They are natives of the North Temperate zone. The commonest larkspur of the gardens is Delphinium Consolida. The flower of the bee larkspur (Delphinium elatum) has two petals bearded with yellow hairs, and looks not unlike a bee.
Larkspur
Any of numerous cultivated plants of the genus Delphinium
Common Curiosities
Are Delphinium and Larkspur the same plant?
No, Delphinium is a genus, while Larkspur refers specifically to the annual species within that genus.
Can I plant Delphinium and Larkspur together?
Yes, they can complement each other in a garden setting.
Can I find both Delphinium and Larkspur at a nursery?
Yes, most nurseries stock both due to their popularity among gardeners.
Are Delphinium flowers and Larkspur flowers similar in shape?
Yes, their flowers are similar, which often leads to confusion between the two.
Do both Delphinium and Larkspur come in blue shades?
Yes, both plants are often recognized for their shades of blue, among other colors.
Are Delphinium and Larkspur deer-resistant?
Both plants are often considered deer-resistant, but no plant is entirely deer-proof.
Are both Delphinium and Larkspur toxic?
Yes, both plants contain alkaloids that can be toxic if ingested.
How tall can Delphinium and Larkspur grow?
Delphinium can grow over six feet, while Larkspur is generally shorter.
Which one, Delphinium or Larkspur, is a perennial?
Delphinium is typically perennial, while Larkspur is an annual.
Do Delphinium and Larkspur need a lot of sunlight?
Both plants prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Can Delphinium and Larkspur thrive in containers?
While both can be grown in containers, they may not reach their full potential as in garden beds.
Which plant, Delphinium or Larkspur, is more drought-tolerant?
Larkspur, being an annual, is generally more drought-tolerant than Delphinium.
Are both Delphinium and Larkspur suitable for cut flower arrangements?
Yes, both are popular choices for floral arrangements due to their tall spikes of flowers.
Which is more cold-hardy: Delphinium or Larkspur?
Delphinium is generally more cold-hardy as it's a perennial.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
