Larkspur

Larkspur (Belphinium), a considerable genus of ranunculaceous plants, natives of the North Temperate zone, many of which, both annuals and perennials, are cultivated in our gardens for the beauty of their flowers. They are acrid plants with erect stems, but slightly branched, palmately-cut leaves, and loose terminal racemes of flowers. There are five petaloid sepals, of which the posterior one is prolonged into the spur, which gives the popular name to the genus. The petals are reduced, two being within the spur; the stamens are indifferent; and the carpels vary from one to five, each forming a follicle.