[Illustration: Larkspur, delphinium, lark’s claw, knight’s spur
_Delphinium ajacis--RANUNCULACEAE_]
=Description=: The cultivated larkspurs found in New England are
annuals or perennials found in many gardens and produce showy blossoms
with many colors (usually white and violet-purple) growing on erect
flower stalks. Leaves are divided into parts and have the general
outline of a bird’s foot. The small seeds which form in dry follicles
are usually pointed and very irregular in shape. The plant varies in
height from 2 to 4 feet.
=Poisonous Parts=: Leaves and seeds contain toxic alkaloids which when
ingested may affect the nervous system. Tingling sensations of the
mouth may at first be experienced followed by excitation and severe
depression. Animals poisoned by wild larkspurs growing on western
ranges stagger and appear to develop symptoms of tetany. Powdered
larkspur seed is also found in some commercial lice remedies.
=Antidote=: Call your doctor. Have patient vomit. Physicians perform
gastric lavage and treat for alkaloid (=ajacine=) poisoning and central
nervous system excitation using short-acting barbiturates because of
subsequent depression.