DELPHINIUM

[del.phin.i.um] n [NL, genus name, fr. Gk delphinion larkspur, dim. of delphin-, delphis dolphin; prob. fr. the shape of the nectary] (1664): any of a large genus (Delphinium) of the buttercup family that comprises chiefly perennial erect branching herbs with palmately divided leaves and irregular flowers in showy spikes and includes several that are poisonous--compare larkspur