SafePlants

Doubtful Knight's-Spur (Consolida ajacis)

Consolida ajacis, also known as Doubtful Knight's-spur and Rocket Larkspur, is an annual flowering plant appreciated for its vibrant blooms.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that the whole plant is a known hazard, suggesting potential toxicity.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Consolida ajacis
• Common Names: Doubtful Knight's-spur, Rocket Larkspur
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
• Synonyms: Consolida ambigua, Delphinium ajacis, Delphinium ambiguum, C. ajacis

Distribution and Habitat

• Doubtful Knight's-spur is introduced in North America.
• The plant originates from Africa and Asia.
• It is also described as a garden escape from Eurasia that occasionally becomes established.

Morphological Characteristics

• It features spires of showy purple flowers borne on a stem.
• The sepals are 1-3 cm long, usually blue or purple, 8-18 mm long, with a spur 12-20 mm long, and with short, linear bracteoles at least 4 mm.

Ecological Role

• The plant is considered non-native in some regions.

Further Resources

• USDA PLANTS Database
• Invasive Plant Atlas
• Montana Field Guide