Dwarf larkspur is somewhat of an unexpected guest in my yard – just like some of those mail order brides may not be exactly what you expected, I acquired some mail order rootstock for what I thought was dutchman’s breeches. It turned out to be Delphinium tricorne instead, which calls the mid-Atlantic states and the midwest home. The plant contains an alkaloid that is poisonous to grazing cattle, but I don’t have to worry about that becoming an issue in my garden. Not knowing the extent of the effects of the alkaloid on humans, I would use caution around the plant particularly with kids and pets. Despite my layman’s warning, there are some documented medicinal uses for the plant.
Dwarf larkspur April 29, 2012
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