Aconitum delphinifolium aka Larkspurleaf Monkshood

Aconitum delphinifolium is a small perennial in the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. Its native range spans northwestern North America and northern Asia. In North America, it grows from British Columbia to Alaska. The RHS records it as not native to Britain or Ireland. Plants For A Future lists a height of about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres].

This species grows in a broad range of wild habitats. These include meadows, creek banks, thickets, woods, and rocky slopes. It also grows on alpine tundra. Its range extends from sea level to about 5,580 feet [1,700 metres]. It flowers from June to August, and bees pollinate the blooms. The supplied species account gives no flower colour or fruit details. It also gives no species-level description of leaves or stems.

In gardens, it suits moist ground and a woodland setting. Plants For A Future lists both full shade and light shade. Its cultivation notes also report success in sun or part shade. It accepts sandy soil, loam, and heavy clay. Soil can range from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. The cultivation notes mention a preference for lime-rich ground. Open woods and beds with dappled shade offer suitable settings. The same source warns that it can hinder nearby plants. It singles out legumes as plants that may suffer.

Seed and division provide two ways to raise new plants. Sow fresh, ripe seed in a cold frame. Stored seed can receive cold treatment before spring sowing. Seed treated this way may still take time to sprout. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Keep them in a cold frame through their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Reports differ on the best time to divide plants. They suggest spring, autumn, or late winter, noting early spring growth.

Every part of this plant is highly poisonous. Skin contact has caused numbness in some people. Plants For A Future records no known food use. It notes historical Salishan medicinal use but gives no purpose. The seeds also have a recorded use against parasites. These records do not establish safe home uses. Its toxicity remains central to any choice of garden site.