Forking Larkspur

Consolida regalis

Description

Consolida regalis reaches on average 30–80 centimetres (12–31 in) of height. The stem is erect, hairy and very branched at the top. The roots grow into the soil up to a depth of 50 centimetres (20 in), so the plant can survive long periods of drought. The leaves are alternately arranged.

The inflorescence is a cluster with five to eight hermaphrodite flowers. They are dark blue or purple, with five sepals. The upper sepal is prolonged in a spur of 15–18 millimetres (0.59–0.71 in) long, pointing toward the back. There are eight to ten stamens. The flowering period extends from May through August.