What does delphinium mean?
A delphinium is a striking flowering plant belonging to the genus Delphinium in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Prized by gardeners for its tall, elegant spikes of blossoms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white, the delphinium is a classic feature of cottage gardens and herbaceous borders, where it can reach heights well above a metre. The name derives from the Greek word for dolphin, because the flower's bud was thought to resemble the marine mammal's shape. In everyday speech, delphiniums are sometimes loosely grouped with larkspurs, their close annual relatives. Beyond its ornamental appeal, the plant carries an important caution: all parts are toxic if ingested. Whether admired in a summer border or arranged in a bouquet, the delphinium remains one of the most recognisable and beloved of garden flowers.
nounA tall flowering plant of the genus Delphinium, bearing spikes of showy blue, purple, pink, or white flowers; also called larkspur.
- Any plant of the genus Delphinium, a tall-flowered perennial herb of the buttercup family grown ornamentally for its showy flower spikes.
- (Loosely) the flower of such a plant, especially when used in cut-flower arrangements or gardens.
"The cottage garden was ablaze with delphiniums towering over the roses."
"She staked the delphiniums carefully before the summer storms could flatten their heavy blue spires."
"The florist combined white delphiniums with foxgloves to create a dramatic vertical accent in the bridal arrangement."
"Delphiniums" is the standard plural in everyday English. The Latinate "delphinia" appears occasionally in more formal or botanical writing but is far less common.
"The delphiniums along the south wall bloomed earlier than usual this year."
The delphinium is named after the dolphin — its flower buds were thought to resemble the sea mammal's snout — yet this elegant garden beauty is quietly one of the most poisonous plants in the flowerbed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of delphinium
The word "delphinium" comes from Latin, which borrowed it from Greek "delphinion," a diminutive form relating to "delphis," meaning dolphin. The name arose because the shape of the flower's nectar-containing spur or bud was thought to resemble a dolphin's snout. The term was adopted into English in the mid-17th century as botanists began formally classifying plants. Cognate words sharing the same Greek root include "Delphi," the famous sanctuary whose name likewise derives from the dolphin association, and "dolphin" itself.
Related word forms
How delphinium is actually used
"Delphinium" is used in both British and American English, chiefly in gardening, horticultural, and floral contexts. The word is somewhat formal or botanical in register; in casual speech, gardeners may simply say "larkspur." Plural forms "delphiniums" and (less commonly) "delphinia" are both accepted.
Easily confused with delphinium
Larkspur is a common name often used interchangeably with delphinium, but strictly it refers to the related genus Consolida (annual plants), while delphinium properly denotes the perennial genus Delphinium.
Monkshood has similar hooded flowers and tall spikes to delphinium but belongs to a different genus and is far more toxic.