JULY'S FLOWER

July's Flower Larkspur , Delphinium Botanical name : Delphinium Ajacis Meaning : Passionate Ardent Attachment

The larkspur of Delphinium is named for the shape of their flowers. The flower resembles the bottle - like nose of a dolphin.

The spur, on the other hand, reminded some people of parts of the lark; hence "larkspur," "lark's heel," and "lark's claw."

According to Greek legend, Achill0es' mother requested that her son's armor be given to the most heroic Greek warrior during the Battle of troy. To the dismay of the brave warrior Ajax, the armor was awarded to Ulysses. Dejected, Ajax threw himself on his sword, and small blue delphiniums of Larkspurs sprung from the blood that fell to the ground. Delphinium petals are marked with the Greek letters Al, the Greek cry of mourning.

Delphiniums, (larkspurs) signify an open heart and ardent attachment; Larkspurs generally symbolize lightness and swiftness.