The rains have come and gone and come again for days after days. But April showers bring May flowers. Don’t They? Well, sort of. These actually began blooming in April. And while they are sometimes mistaken for violets ( Specifically Bird’s Foot Violets) but these are not even in the violet family. This is Dwarf Larkspur.
Before I actually started to blog about the wildlife in my mountains Larkspur was one of those plants that I knew the name but because I didn’t really use it for food or medicine I just kinda ignored it. As it turns out it has an interesting Native American lore linking to it. One that I’ve only learned a few minutes ago is that Native Americans told the story of a sky woman who wanted to visit the Earth below and made a spike from the evening sky to climb down. But at some point in the story the sky breaks and the pieces turn into Larkspur flowers.
Larkspur is the same family of flowers as Aconitum or what’s better know as Monk’s Hood or Wolfsbane. Ranunculaceae which is the buttercups. Knowing that makes me wonder how many pioneers tried to make charms to keep away vampires and werewolves from it like they would have used Monk’s Hood.
Larkspur is listed in older texts as a medical plant but it’s deadly toxic. It’s on par with foxglove and I have to wonder if Native Americans used it to poison arrows and darts the way my European ancestors would have used the “Wolfsbane”. However, since there hasn’t been a werewolf or vampire sighting here in the past 200 years I decided to leave the Larkspur where I found it and move on. I did however note the location just in case. 😉
Hey Friends! Just a quick reminder that Lloyds Lens Photography is available for portraits!
To book me simply reach out using the Contact Page and we’ll set a date. If you’re within a 50 mile radius of Summersville West Virginia all travel fees are waived.
Hello Friends and thank you for your support of my page. If you have enjoyed the photos or the writings please let me know by commenting and sharing my work on your social media. I also want to invite you to Follow Lloyds Lens Photography on Facebook
If you would like to Follow me on Facebook the web address is
https://www.facebook.com/aviewfromthelens/
If you’re enjoying my blog and don’t want to miss a post then you can sign up for email alerts on my website.
https://lloydslensphotographyllc.com/
Did you know that I also do portraits by appointment? If you’re interested in a portrait session either message me on Facebook or Use the Contact form. The YouTube link below takes you one of my slideshows.
Have you checked out the Zazzle Store?
I’m now using Zazzle to fulfil orders. What this means for you is a secure way to place an order, discount codes & a broader product selection! Simplymessage me on Facebookoruse the contact form on my websiteand tell me which image you want and I’ll reply with a direct link to where you can place the order.
Lastly, all of the photos and writings are my original work unless otherwise specified and are not to be copied or reproduced without expressed written permission from the photographer
Thank you again for your support of my page!❤
LLOYD'S LENS PHOTOGRAPHY LLC 
What a beautiful tiny flower. It would be easy to miss it unless you were searching for it. Thanks for sharing, Lloyd.
LikeLiked by 1 person