: any of a large genus (Delphinium) of the buttercup family that comprises chiefly perennial erect branching herbs with palmately divided leaves and irregular flowers in showy spikes and includes several that are poisonous compare larkspur
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The garden will replace delphiniums and carnations on display in the conservatory in late spring with begonias and zinnias in the summer, and chrysanthemums and asters in the fall.—Jane L. Levere, New York Times, 20 May 2025 This refresh includes a cottage garden collection of flowers in purple, blue and white flowers, including blue delphinium and purple foxglove.—Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 8 May 2025 The Central Coast town has long been known for entirely other kinds of fields: Its flower farms supply florists and draw tourists to catch lavender, delphinium and more varieties in bloom.—Tom Gliatto, People.com, 26 Mar. 2025 While the irises are the stars of the show, they’re all set against a backdrop of other beautiful perennials like lupine, allium, poppies, and delphinium.—Elizabeth Brownfield, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for delphinium
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, genus name, from Greek delphinion larkspur, diminutive of delphin-, delphis dolphin; probably from the shape of the nectary
Delphinium: a large genus of chiefly perennial herbaceous plants of the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) that have lobed leaves and typically white or blue flowers in dense showy spikes and that contain toxic alkaloids
2
plural delphiniums or delphinium: any plant of the genus Delphinium compare larkspur
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