Monkshood Aconite
Aconitum carmichaelii
Common Name: Monkshood Aconite
Genus: Aconitum
Species: carmichaelii
The term Aconitum is derived from the Greek for ‘dart’, a reference to how arrows were once dipped in the sap of Monkshood Aconites to improve the arrow’s potential to kill it’s target.
Category: Perennials
Growth Rate: Average
Features: Makes good cut flowers
Hardiness: Hardy | Height: 1.70 m (170 cm) |
Sun/Shade: Partial shade | Spread: 0.60 m (60 cm) |
Foliage Type: Deciduous | Flower Colour: Blue, Purple |
Foliage Colour: Green | Flowering Period: September & October |
Soil Type: Normal/Loam or Clay/Heavy
Soil Moisture: Moist, but well drained
All parts of Aconitum carmichaelii are highly poisonous. When working with Monkshood Aconites always consider wearing a pair of gloves and certainly thoroughly wash hands afterwards just in case you have exposed your hands to any sap. The blue-violet hooded flowers are produced on upright flower spikes above leaves that often resemble maple leaves, being lobed with 3-5 ‘fingers’. The flowering period is early autumn. Monkshood Aconites make good cut flowers.
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