Larkspur

Larkspur is one of 300 species of Delphinium, a flower that is familiar to many. Here in western Oregon, you will probably see the Menzies Larkspur (Delphinium menziesii). The name Delphinium is from the Greek word "dolphin," and refers to the shape of the blossoms. The deep blue color of the flowers is a great sight amidst a sea of dry grasses.

Don't be picking these beauties for your summer BBQ table though, because all parts of these plants are considered toxic to humans, causing severe digestive discomfort if ingested, and also skin irritation. Tall larkspur in particular is very toxic to cattle and ranchers will delay moving cattle into fields that have larkspur.

The larkspur below are growing at Bald Peak State Park, in a small clearing at the south end. 6/29/2013.