Delphinium elatum, SE: Stor riddarsporre, DE: Hoher Rittersporn,
NL: Hoge ridderspoor, UK: Candle larkspur, Alpine delphinium

Scientific name:  Delphinium elatum L.
Swedish name:  Stor riddarsporre
German name:  Hoher Rittersporn
Nederlandse naam:  Hoge ridderspoor
English name:  Candle larkspur, Alpine delphinium
Family:  Ranunculaceae, Buttercup or Crowfoot Family, Ranunkelväxter

Sweden Flowers, Delphinium elatum, Stor riddarsporre, Hoher Rittersporn, Hoge ridderspoor, Candle larkspur, Alpine delphinium

Life form:  Perennial herb
Stems:  Height 50-150cm, Stem glabrous or upper part sparsely hairy, blue-grey. Flower: Perianth zygomorphic, usually bl
Leaves:   Alternate along stem, stalked; palmate venation
Flowers:  Tall spikes of deep blue satiny flowers
Flowering Period:  July-August
Fruits:  Follicle
Habitat:  Yards, roadsides, banks and woods near dwelling areas
Distribution:  Mainly in north Sweden

Delphinium elatum, Stor riddarsporre, Hoher Rittersporn, Hoge ridderspoor, Candle larkspur, Alpine delphinium


Derivation of the botanical name:
Delphinium, Greek delphinion, from delphinos or delphis dolphin and refers to the shape of the flower bud.
elatum, Latin elatus high, and means tall.
  • The standard author abbreviation L. is used to indicate Carl Linnaeus (1707 – 1778), a Swedish botanist, physician, and zoologist, the father of modern taxonomy.

Flowers in Sweden, Wildflowers, Delphinium elatum, Stor riddarsporre, Hoher Rittersporn, Hoge ridderspoor, Candle larkspur, Alpine delphinium



Delphinium elatum, Stor riddarsporre, Hoher Rittersporn, Hoge ridderspoor, Candle larkspur, Alpine delphinium



Delphinium elatum, Stor riddarsporre, Hoher Rittersporn, Hoge ridderspoor, Candle larkspur, Alpine delphinium