Blue rocket Aconitum
Other Common Name(s):
Other plants called Blue rocket:
- Phonetic Spelling
- ah-kon-EE-tum
- This plant has high severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
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This is a genus of over 250 species of herbaceous perennials 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.
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 to white.
Plant in humus-rich moist soil that drains well. In the southern portion of its range, it will need afternoon sun. Use in groups, borders or naturalized areas. After flowering, cut the plants back to promote re-blooming.
Although used in the landscape, Monkshood is poisonous, with a narcotic juice present 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.
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:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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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.
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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
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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
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Aggregate
- Follicle
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is an aggregate of follicles with many seeds
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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.
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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.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Description:
- Stiff, erect, unbranched, leafy stems. Taller stems may need to be staked.
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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
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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