Description
Aconitum – Aconite – Monkshood – Wolfsbane –
There are about 100 species, in this Genus made up of perennials and/or biennials. Found across the northern Hemisphere renowned for its poisons sap. The sap has been used in execution of criminals, baiting wolves, or tainting enemies water supply and medicinally. Erect twinning stems bear curious 1-2” long, 5 petal flower with one petal bulges up into a prominent helmet/hooded like shape in long racemes or panicles 12-24” long which can be blue, yellow, purple, or white. Bears rich green kidney shape leaves 2-4” long.
Aconitum will tolerate most soil in a deep cool moist site. If summers are hot and dry, plant in partial shade. A great plant for borders and woodland gardens. Also great cut flower but if skin comes in contact with the plant it may irritate, remember it is highly toxic. Divide ever 3 years, some varieties require stalking.
Prone to aphids, fungal stem rots, crown rot, Verticillium wilt, downy mildew, powerdy mildew and rusts.
Aconitum hemsleyanum – Native to Western and Central China is a twinning climbing perennial that reaches 10’ feet high. Racemes of large violet flowers come in mid summer to early autumn. It has rounded to egg shape to rounded 3-5 lobes leaves.
Zones 5-8
