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Consolida regalis - Gray.

Common Name Larkspur, Royal knight's-spur
Family Ranunculaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards All parts of the plant are poisonous in large doses[4, 21, 65]. The seed is especially toxic[4].
Habitats Cornfields and waste places, usually on sandy or chalky soils, avoiding shade in Britain[4, 17].
Range S. Europe. A rare casual in Britain[17].
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Consolida regalis Larkspur, Royal knight


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Illustration_Consolida_regalis0.jpg
Consolida regalis Larkspur, Royal knight
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Consolida regalis is a ANNUAL/BIENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). The plant is self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Delphinium consolida.

Habitats

 Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Anthelmintic  Diuretic  Hypnotic  Hypotensive  Parasiticide  Purgative  Vasodilator

Larkspur was at one time used internally in the treatment of a range of diseases, but its only certain action is a violent purgative and nowadays it is only occasionally used in folk medicine[268]. It is of value, however, when used externally, to kill skin parasites[268]. The plant should be used with caution[9, 21], see the notes above on toxicity. The seed is anthelmintic, mildly diuretic, hypnotic, purgative and vasodilator[21]. It has been used internally in the treatment of spasmodic asthma and dropsy[4]. The flowers or the whole plant are mildly diuretic and hypotensive[9]. The expressed juice of the leaves has been considered an effective application to bleeding piles[4]. A conserve made from the flowers has been seen as a good remedy for children when subject to violent purging[4]. The juice of the flowers has also been used as a treatment for colic[4].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Dye  Ink  Insecticide  Parasiticide

A strong tincture of the fresh seed is used externally to kill lice and nits in the head and pubic hair[4, 61, 74, 268]. It is also effective against aphids and thrips[20]. A good blue ink is obtained from the expressed juice of the petals together with a little alum[4]. It is made from the leaves according to another report[74]. It is also used as a dye[74] and is green when mixed with alum[46, 61].

Special Uses

Attracts Wildlife

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it prefers a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Plants succeeded when growing in a dry shady position in the hot dry summer of 1989[K]. A very ornamental plant[1]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby plants, especially legumes[54]. Other reports say that it is a good companion for wheat[18, 20]. A good bee plant[74]. Plants resent root disturbance and should not be transplanted[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in situ[200]. It can also be autumn sown in areas with mild winters, otherwise sow in succession from spring to early summer[200]. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 3 weeks[200].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Consolida ambiguaLarkspur, Doubtful knight's-spur, Rocket LarkspurAnnual1.0 0-0 FLMHSNM022

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Gray.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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Subject : Consolida regalis  
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