Taking Care of Those You Love

Larkspur—Beautiful….but also poisonous

Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension

Family Economics Specialist

When I became an obsessive Wildflower Photographer during our Montana summers I made a decision that I would focus on common names of the wildflowers rather than trying to learn the genus and species…after all this was to be my hobby for enjoyment, not a class in which I would have to learn the scientific nomenclature that was proposed by Carolus Linneaeus, a Swedish botanist who lived from 1707-78.   That’s why I call this beautiful wildflower a larkspur and not a Delphinium bicolor.  Larkspurs contain many toxic alkaloids that can cause skin reactions and affect the nervous and respiratory systems.  The plants are poisonous for cattle, if eaten in large amounts.  Sheep are more tolerant of the plants toxicity.

Larkspurs are found on grassy prairies, on meadows, and in ponderosa pine forests up to subalpine zones in west, central, and east Montana.  You won’t find any at Big Sky in September during the NEAFCS Conference because by then we will have had a “hard” freeze.  But if you attend my preconference on September 12 entitled….Wildflower Reflections:  Families, Legacies, and Estate Planning you will meet the Larkspur Family and see the “toxic” and detrimental impact of the lack of planning.  You will also learn some ways you can take care of those you love through planning ... leave them with the beauty, not the poison of poor planning.

Speaking of love ... if you are looking for a way to send a lasting bouquet to someone you love, consider purchasing Marsha's Montana wildflower cards as a gift.  Plus, you'll also be giving to support the NEAFCS 2016 conference. More information here.