larkspur flower meaning

Larkspur Flower Meaning and Symbolism By Color

Sharing is caring!

As the official flower for people born in July, the larkspur is a beautiful flower that can be found in a variety of shades, including pink, white, blue, and purple. 

Members of the buttercup family, larkspur flowers have pretty unique symbolism and a story behind the name larkspur. This flower blooms in early spring and is used to celebrate a July birthday as a cut flower – it’s the official July flower, after all. It’s often used in floral displays and blue dye as well.

The larkspur flower’s message simply can’t be overlooked!

Continue reading to learn more about the larkspur flowers’ message – and how you can use this meadow flower to send an impactful message to those you care about most.

What is the Etymological Meaning of Larkspur Flowers?

Originally, the larkspur was a flower that was classified within the genus Delphinium. Today, however, the flower is referred to as Consolida ambigua and Consolida orientalis, two flowers that are both grown and used as cut flowers and classified in the Consolida genus. 

The original classification of the plant as a Delphinium was because the flower buds on the plant look a lot like a dolphin – and Delphinium translates to the word “dolphin.”

Regardless of the genus classification, the plant earned the common name of larkspur because the elongated petals on each bloom look like spurs- typically, the hind claws of a lark. 

What Do Larkspur Flowers Symbolize?

An old-fashioned annual flower, the larkspur has a variety of symbolic meanings. Most commonly, it is used to symbolize love, affection, and strong attachment.

However, it can also symbolize a desire to be humorous and for lightness. It can serve as a representation of a pure heart, too. 

What Does a Pink Larkspur Flower Mean?

Pink larkspurs symbolize fickleness or indecisiveness. 

What Does a Purple Larkspur Flower Symbolize?

Purple larkspurs symbolize first love and is a great gift for anybody you care about in a romantic way.

What Does a White Larkspur Flower Represent? 

White larkspurs are usually seen as symbols of happiness. These aren’t used as often to symbolize romantic feelings as other colors, as this white flower symbolizes purity, pride, and joy.

What Do Blue Larkspur Flowers Symbolize?

The blue larkspur flower is an excellent choice to give as a gift. Like many flowers in the color blue, the blue larkspur symbolizes regality and nobility.

It is not only a great choice for someone celebrating a July birth, as the best representation of the July birth flower you’ll find, but a blue larkspur has symbolic meaning that makes it perfect for big celebrations. Think graduations, weddings, and more.

What is the Cultural Significance of Larkspur?

There are several myths and legends surrounding the story and symbolism of a larkspur flower. According to Greek mythology, Ulysses and Ajax attempted to claim the arms of Achilles following his death.

The Greeks gave the arms to Ulysses, causing Ajax to fly into a fit of anger. He took his own life with his sword, spilling his blood upon the land. The larkspur flower sprang forth.

In Native American legend, the larkspur received its name from a celestial being that parted the sky and sent down spikes made from the pieces of the sky. The rays of the sun dried the pieces and scattered them, and where they fell, larkspur flowers burst forth.

Native Americans held the plant to high esteem. Larkspur grows wild in many places in eastern North America, so it was often used to repel venomous snakes in ancient times. Larkspur flowers were used for a variety of other medicinal purposes, believed to heal wounds, repel skin parasites and body lice, and more.

Finally, Christian legends hold that, after Christ was crucified, he was moved to a cave and a boulder was placed in front of the door. 

A small rabbit waited in the dark, and when Christ arose, the rabbit spoke to him and rejoiced that he had risen. Christ showed the rabbit a small larkspur and gave the face of the rabbit to the image of the flower.

What is the Symbolism of a Larkspur Tattoo?

As a July birth flower, larkspur tattoos are often chosen by people with birthdays in July (or by parents of babies born in July). The tattoo can also symbolize attachment and an open heart. It can convey a symbol of levity and lightness, too. 

You don’t have to have a July birth to celebrate in order to recognize the symbolic meaning of these flowers, though. You can choose larkspur flowers as tattoos to demonstrate romantic feelings or any other meaning of the larkspur plant.

When Should You Give Someone a Larkspur?

Larkspurs are appropriate for many occasions. They can be given on housewarmings or birthdays. They are often given in combination with flowers in other floral arrangements and displays, too, making them perfect for just about any event or occasion.

Whether you’re celebrating July birthdays or anything else, the larkspur flower symbolizes so many different things. It’s a great way to make someone feel appreciated and is the perfect gift for just about any occasion!

Up Next: Delphinium Flower Meaning and Symbolism

Photo by lesichkalll27.gmail.com/depositphotos

Scroll to Top