Aconitum aka Aconite

Taxonomy

Aconitum, also known as aconite, monkshood, wolfsbane, leopard's bane, devil's helmet, or blue rocket, is a genus of over 250 species of flowering plants belonging to the family Ranunculaceae. These compact, clump-forming, deciduous herbaceous perennials can grow up to 60cm in height. They have deeply divided, glossy dark green leaves and erect dark, almost black stems. Aconitum plants bear racemes of hooded, blue-purple flowers in late spring to early summer, and again in late summer. They are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere in North America, Europe, and Asia, thriving in the moisture-retentive but well-draining soils of mountain meadows. While most Aconitum species are extremely poisonous and require careful handling, some hybrids, like the Arendsii form of Aconitum carmichaelii, have received gardening awards and are even used by florists.

Common names

Aconite

How to care for Aconite

Difficulty

Aconite requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Lighting

Aconite requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Aconite will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Region of origin

Aconite’s native range is Europe - W. Alps and the Pyrenees.


More info:
Wikipedia