Delphinium consolida L.

Scientific Name & Height

This species, also referred to as Consolida regalis, reaches an average height of 30–80 centimetres (12–31 in).

Stem Characteristics

It has an erect, hairy stem that is very branched at the top.

Root Structure & Drought Tolerance

Its roots can grow up to 50 centimetres (20 in) deep into soil, allowing the plant to survive long periods of drought.

Leaf Arrangement

Its leaves are arranged alternately.

Inflorescence Structure

The inflorescence is a cluster holding five to eight hermaphrodite flowers.

Flower Appearance

The flowers are dark blue or purple and have five sepals; the upper sepal extends into a 15–18 millimetres (0.59–0.71 in) long spur that points backward.

Stamen Count

Each flower has eight to ten stamens.

Flowering Period & Pollination

Its flowering period runs from May through August, and its flowers are pollinated by hymenoptera and lepidoptera.

Seed Ripening Period

Seeds ripen from June through September.

Toxicity

All parts of this plant are poisonous when consumed in large doses, especially seeds, which contain up to 1.4% alkaloids.

Native Distribution

Consolida regalis is native to Western Asia (Turkey, Georgia, western Siberia), Northern Europe (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania), Middle Europe (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland), East Europe (Belarus, Estonia, Latvia, Moldova, European part of the Russian Federation, Ukraine), Southeastern Europe (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia), and Southwestern Europe (France, Spain).

Soil & Altitude Preferences

It grows on sandy or chalky soils, at altitudes between 0 and 1,200 metres (0–3,937 ft) above sea level.

Habitat Types

It can be found in dry weedy places, roadside ditches, and cereal crop fields.

Population Decline Causes

Due to increased herbicide use and intensive soil cultivation, this plant has become quite rare in central and southern Europe.

Ornamental Use

This species is also grown as an ornamental plant.