Scientific Name
Delphinium spp.
Common Name
Delphinium, larkspur, staggerweed

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Ranunculaceae
Plant Description
Herbaceous annual or perennial; leaves alternate, long-stalked, palmately divided or lobed; flowers in terminal, elongated clusters, blue to purple or nearly white, with a single spur on the back side; fruit dry, many seeded.
Origin
USA, NC, Europe.
Distribution
Throughout; garden ornamentals.
Where Found
Weedy in disturbed areas in woods, fields, gardens; some native species in forest or natural areas in rich woods in mountains; landscape in flower gardens as cultivated ornamental annuals or perennials.
Mode
Ingestion
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Burning of lips and mouth, numbness of throat; intense vomiting and diarrhea, muscular weakness and spasms, weak pulse, paralysis of the respiratory system, convulsions; fatal.
Toxic Principle
Alkaloids delphinine, ajacine, and others.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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