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Aconitum

Phonetic Spelling
ah-kon-EE-tum
This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

This is a genus of over 250 species of herbaceous perennials in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) of which most are extremely poisonous. They are mostly found in mountainous areas of the northern hemisphere in moist but well-drained soils in forests, natural areas, moist woods and sitting along creek banks. These plants will grow better in cool summer areas.

Plant in humus-rich moist soil that drains well. In the southern portion of its range, it will need afternoon sun protection. After flowering, cut the plants back to promote re-blooming. Monkshood is poisonous, with a narcotic juice in the leaves and roots. Do not plant near the vegetable garden, where its fleshy roots could be mistaken for Jerusalem artichokes.  Wearing gloves is advisable when handling this plant.

The plants generally have lobed to deeply lobed leaves with toothed margins and clusters of flowers with the characteristic upper hood giving it the common name of Monk's Hood and Helmet Flower. The showy flowers appear in summer and range in color from blues, purples and white. 

These plants can be used in the perennial border, in a shady garden,  woodland garden and along a stream or pond. Keep in mind they are toxic to pets.

Insect, Disease and Other Plant Problems:  Crown rot, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt can affect this plant.

 

 

 

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • A. napellus
    Hooded purple flowers
  • A. noveboracense
    Northern Monkshood. Light purple flowers
  • A. uncinatum Aconitum uncinatum
A. napellus, A. noveboracense, A. uncinatum
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#purple flowers#blue flowers#rabbit resistant#violet flowers#summer flowers#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • A. napellus
    Hooded purple flowers
  • A. noveboracense
    Northern Monkshood. Light purple flowers
  • A. uncinatum Aconitum uncinatum
A. napellus, A. noveboracense, A. uncinatum
Tags:
#poisonous#full sun tolerant#white flowers#purple flowers#blue flowers#rabbit resistant#violet flowers#summer flowers#deer resistant#herbaceous perennial#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Aconitum
    Family:
    Ranunculaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Has been used in Chinese herbal medicine. Poison -tipped arrows have been in the hunting of whales, bears and ibex.
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Mountainous ares of the northern hemisphere
    Play Value:
    Attractive Flowers
    Dimensions:
    Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Perennial
    Poisonous
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Slow
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Alkaline (>8.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Aggregate
    Follicle
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is an aggregate of follicles with many seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Blue
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Lipped
    Flower Petals:
    2-3 rays/petals
    7 - 20 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Raceme's of blooms up to 8" long in colors that range from blue, violet, white or blue-purple. The upper part (sepals and petals) is hood or helmet-like in appearance. Thus the common names of Monkshood and Helmet Flower. They have 2-10 petals.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Deciduous
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Lanceolate
    Palmatifid
    Leaf Margin:
    Lobed
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    The dark green leaves are divided into 3-5 lobes, which are toothed. They are arranged in a spiral alternate manner.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Description:
    Stiff, erect, unbranched, leafy stems. Taller stems may need to be staked.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Meadow
    Naturalized Area
    Pond
    Slope/Bank
    Woodland
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Rain Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Children
    Problem for Dogs
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    High
    Poison Symptoms:
    Poisonous if ingested. May be fatal to humans and pets. Symptoms of burning of lips and mouth, numbness of throat; intense vomiting and diarrhea, muscular weakness and spasms, weak pulse, paralysis of the respiratory system, convulsions.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids aconitine and others
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Bark
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Seeds
    Stems