Doubtful knight's spur - Consolida ajacis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Doubtful knight's spur

Also known as: Eastern larkspur

Doubtful knight's spur is a native of Eurasia but is widely grown in the United States as an ornamental. Doubtful knight's spur is known for its tall spikes of blooms in blue, pink, or white. This plant is considered poisonous due to specific types of alkaloids found in the aerial parts and the seeds.

Scientific classification

Species

Doubtful knight's spur (Consolida ajacis)

Buttercups, poppies and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Winter, Early spring

Harvest Time

Brown

Fruit Color

White, Pink, Blue, Purple

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Doubtful knight's spur

Distribution of Doubtful knight's spur

Distribution Map

Doubtful knight's spur is a Eurasian and North Africa native wildflower that occurs widely as an introduced species in North America and Australia. In the wild the plant inhabits meadows and croplands, as well as disturbed and abandoned land.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Corn fields

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Rising on long stems, the brushes of blue flowers of doubtful knight's spur (Consolida ajacis) are a popular feature of many ornamental gardens. These summer flowers look great grouped in beds and borders when combined with other red, pink, and white summer flowers. Doubtful knight's spur is a great choice for cottage gardens, growing particularly well with garden phlox, Queen Anne's lace, and rusty foxglove.

Symbolism

An open heart, affection, sweetness, the desire for laughter

Name Story

Doubtful knight's spur: This plant grows wildly in Greece. Gardeners call it doubtful knight's spur because of the fatal doubts that killed this Greek knight due to the toxicity of the plant. It is featured with showy purple flowers on the stem which grows up to 1 meter tall. Also, the leaves are very sharp, it is then called doubtful knight's spur.

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Toxicity

Doubtful knight's spur is highly toxic to humans, cats, and dogs if ingested. Containing methyllycaconitine in its flowers, leaves, and seeds, it can cause severe symptoms. Immediate medical or veterinary attention is critical for poisoning, which causes symptoms including increased heart rate, tremors, and difficulty breathing. Preventing access to doubtful knight's spur and prompt professional care are essential to mitigate adverse effects. Parents must monitor children around doubtful knight's spur.

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Care Guide for Doubtful knight's spur

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from the Mediterranean, doubtful knight's spur prefers a dry, warm climate and is drought-tolerant, benefiting from weekly deep watering. As an annual plant, its flowering cycle significantly depends on water availability, with adequate moisture being essential during the active growing season for optimal blooms.

Fertilize: Doubtful knight's spur thrives with high-phosphorus fertilizers during active growth in spring and early summer, applying every 4-6 weeks. Prevent nutrient overload and avoid fertilizing during dormancy. Ensure moist soil before application to prevent root burn and adjust care based on signs of under or over-fertilization.

Pruning: Doubtful knight's spur features tall, spiky flowers and benefits from early to late spring pruning. Remove spent stems and deadhead blooms to encourage growth and prevent legginess. Use clean tools for precise cuts, aligning pruning with its growth cycle for abundant seasonal flowering.

Propagation: Doubtful knight's spur propagates easily by sowing seeds in Spring. Success depends on seedling emergence and leaf development. Use well-draining soil and maintain regular watering for optimal growth.

Repotting: Doubtful knight's spur requires excellent drainage in pots to thrive. Ensuring proper drainage helps prevent root rot and promotes healthy growth.

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Images of Doubtful knight's spur

Distribution of Doubtful knight's spur

Culture

Toxicity

Care Guide for Doubtful knight's spur

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