July's Flowers

Continuing with a July theme this post concentrates on July's birth flowers, larkspur and water lily, which I hope you find interesting, even if you do not celebrate a birthday this month.

What Are Larkspur?
Larkspur can refer to any 300 species of perennial flowering plants belonging to the delphinium family, as well as their close relatives in the consolida family. The genus name “delphinium,” originating from the Greek word for dolphin, was inspired by the plant’s supposed resemblance to a dolphin’s snout. Commonly known as lark’s heel, lark’s claw, and knight’s spur, these flowers boast a fascinating history.

Arranged in clusters along a singular stalk, much like gladioli, larkspurs showcase a dazzling array of colours – ranging from pure whites and sunny yellows to rich reds, blues, and purples. Sporting five petals and a protruding central spur, larkspurs are truly stunning.

Larkspur For Healing? Just Don’t Eat It!
Although highly toxic if ingested (even causing fatalities among cattle grazing in pastures with wild larkspur), this seemingly innocent plant was thought to have remarkable medicinal and magical powers. It was used as a remedy for treating ailments such as eye diseases, asthma, dropsy, and head lice. Folklore claimed that larkspur could shield against lightning. In Transylvania, it was planted around stables to ward off witches.

Legends And Lore
The ancient Romans, borrowing the dolphin imagery from the Greeks, believed that Neptune, the god of the sea, transformed a threatened dolphin into a larkspur for protection

The Pawnee tribe of North America believed that the mythological figure Dream Woman cut a hole in the sky to look down on Earth beings, and crumbs from the blue sky fell to the ground, becoming larkspur.

In medieval Italy, it was said that larkspur came about when three warriors slew a fierce dragon and wiped their swords in the grass. The dragon’s blue blood and venom mingled to create a beautiful, poisonous blue flower.

Associated with the Virgin Mary, much like May’s flower – lily of the valley – larkspur is said to represent her tears.

Despite its toxic properties, larkspur is commonly associated with light-heartedness and youth, probably because it grows in mid-summer when many people have fond memories of carefree days away from school.

During the Victorian era, flowers came to have a language of their own. People used them to send messages they wouldn’t otherwise speak aloud. According to this language, pink larkspur symbolizes fickleness, white larkspur symbolizes joy, and purple larkspur communicates that the recipient is sweet.

July’s Other Birth Flower Is the Water Lily

Water lilies are any one of about 70 species of flowering plants found throughout the world. Though they appear to grow out of water, water lilies are actually rooted in soil with stems that reach upward, allowing the flowers to float on the surface. They feature large, flat leaves, commonly known as lily pads.

Water lilies come in two varieties: tropical and hardy — depending what type of climate they thrive in — and an array of colours, including yellow, orange, pink, red, white, purple, and blue. The flowers and leaves also come in a wide-range of sizes and shapes.

Traditionally, water lilies have been used in herbal medicine as astringent, antiseptic, and anaesthetic. Native Americans mashed the plant’s roots to soothe swollen limbs.

Also known as Nymphaeaceae, water lilies are associated with the water nymphs of Greek mythology, minor female deities who were as free-spirited and strong-willed as they were sensual and mysterious.

I hope you enjoyed reading about July's flowers.

You can see the above words, images and all relevant links on this site here

You may now like to read this post about 'Some Foods In Season During July' which also has some recipe suggestions - please see here

You will find a variety of articles and recipe ideas within this blog, and not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter. If you have any concerns about your health, it is always advisable to consult your doctor or health care team.

All the best Jan