Monkshood Aconitum carmichaelii (Arendsii Group) 'Arendsii'
ABOUT
The Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii', commonly known as Monkshood, showcases a visually striking appearance with its deep and richly hued purplish-blue flowers. These flowers possess a unique helmet-like shape that is characteristic of the Monkshood group, imparting a sense of drama and vertical interest wherever they are planted. The blooms are neatly arranged in dense clusters along a sturdy central spike, which emerges from a lush mound of deeply-cut, glossy green leaves. The foliage itself is quite attractive, displaying a palmate or hand-like configuration, which adds texture and greenery to its surroundings. Monkshood's overall aspect is one of both bold color and elegant form, with its flowering spires lending an air of regal stature to the garden landscape. This perennial is notable not only for its ornamental qualities but also for its presence in the fall garden, as it is one of the late-flowering species that offer a color spectacle as the season winds down.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Monkshood, Arendsii Monkshood, Azure Monkshood, Carmichael's Monkshood
Common names
Aconitum arendsii, Aconitum cammarum.
ToxicityTo humans
Monkshood is highly toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain poisonous alkaloids such as aconitine. Symptoms of poisoning can start with tingling or numbness at the mouth or extremities, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. As the toxicity progresses, it can cause severe disturbances in heart rhythm, intense drop in blood pressure, and eventually lead to respiratory failure and death if not treated promptly. Even handling the plant without gloves can be dangerous, as the toxins can be absorbed through the skin.
To pets
Monkshood is also highly toxic to pets, including dogs, cats, and horses. The toxic alkaloids, especially aconitine, affect the nervous system and can lead to symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and seizures. As the poisoning progresses, animals might experience cardiac abnormalities, paralysis, and potentially respiratory failure. Ingestion of even a small amount of any part of Monkshood can be life-threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2-4 feet (60-120 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Monks hood 'Arendsii' produces flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects to the garden.
- Ornamental value: With its deep blue or violet flowers and attractive foliage, this plant adds visual interest and aesthetic value to landscapes.
- Seasonal interest: Flowering late in the season, Monks hood 'Arendsii' can provide color and beauty in the garden when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Cold hardy: It is tolerant of cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in regions with cooler climates.
- Deer and rabbit resistant: The toxic nature of the plant makes it resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, which can help protect other garden plants.
- Low maintenance: Once established, this perennial requires minimal care and is not demanding in terms of watering or fertilizing.
- Drought tolerant: Monks hood 'Arendsii' can withstand periods of dryness once it is well-established, which is beneficial for water conservation efforts.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a dye plant: The roots of Aconitum carmichaelii can be used to create a blue dye, although it is not commonly used due to the plant's toxicity.
- Insect repellent: Some gardeners use the plant as a natural insect repellent in the garden, as its toxic properties can deter pests.
- Photography: Its striking blue flowers are often used as a subject in floral photography due to their unique beauty and color.
- Winter interest: With its robust structure, the dried stems and seed heads can add visual interest to a winter garden or landscape.
- Cultural symbol: In certain cultures, the plant might be used symbolically in rituals or ceremonies because of its historical significance and potency.
- Botanical studies: Aconitum carmichaelii is used as a case study in botanical and horticultural education due to its interesting properties and toxicology.
- Wildlife habitat: While it is toxic to many creatures, the plant can still provide shelter for small insects and birds within a garden ecosystem.
- Companion planting: Although it should be done with caution due to its toxicity, the plant can sometimes be used to protect other plants that are more vulnerable to pests.
- Environmental education: Its use in environmental education programs can help illustrate the concept of plant toxicity and the importance of plant diversity in ecosystems.
- Folk art: The distinctive flowers can inspire designs and patterns in local folk art or crafts, being used as a motif in textiles or other handmade items.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMonkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMonkshood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Danger: Aconitum, commonly known as monkshood, has a long-standing association with danger due to its toxic properties. The plant is highly poisonous, which has earned it a symbolic representation of caution and the potential for harm.
- Protection: In some traditions, monkshood was thought to protect against evil spirits and werewolves, perhaps because of its potent qualities or its historical use in poisons and potions.
- Deceit: Its beautiful flowers belie the plant's lethal nature, making it a symbol for things that are attractive on the outside but dangerous within.
- Misfortune: Due to the plant's toxicity, monkshood has sometimes been associated with bad luck or the presence of dark magic.
- Power: The potent effects of the plant made it a symbol of power, especially in the context of its use in poisons and the power to take life.
WaterMonkshood 'Arendsii' should be watered regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the active growing season, usually in the spring and summer, watering may be necessary once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions. Each watering should provide enough water to soak the root zone; this may equate to approximately 1 inch of water per week. In periods of drought or extreme heat, an increase in water frequency may be necessary to maintain consistent soil moisture. It's essential to reduce watering as the plant goes dormant in the fall and winter to prevent root rot.
LightMonkshood 'Arendsii' thrives best in partial shade to light sun conditions, ideally receiving morning sunlight and afternoon shade. This plant prefers a spot that offers shelter from the intense heat of the midday sun, as too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves or lead to poor growth. An eastern or northern exposure is typically ideal, ensuring it gets the gentle light it needs without being subjected to the harshest rays.
TemperatureMonkshood 'Arendsii' favors a temperate climate and grows best in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 65°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about -20°F and a maximum temperature up to 75°F; however, it may struggle outside of its ideal temperature range. Sudden temperature fluctuations should be avoided to prevent stress to the plant.
PruningPrune Monkshood 'Arendsii' mainly to remove dead or damaged stems and spent flowers to encourage additional blooming and maintain its appearance. The best time for pruning is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins, and again in the summer after the initial bloom period if desired. Regularly cutting back spent flowers can promote a second wave of blooms later in the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMonkshood 'Arendsii' prefers a well-draining soil mix, enriched with organic matter such as compost or leaf mold. The ideal soil pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, peat, and sand in equal parts can create a suitable environment for healthy root growth.
RepottingMonkshood 'Arendsii' is typically planted outdoors and does not require frequent repotting. If grown in containers, they should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingMonkshood 'Arendsii' thrives best in moderate humidity conditions. It does not require high humidity and can tolerate the average atmospheric humidity found in most outdoor garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, protect from strong winds, enrich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe Monkshood 'Arendsii', begins its life cycle as a seed, typically requiring stratification to break dormancy before germination in spring. The seedlings develop into juvenile plants with characteristic lobed leaves. As it matures, the plant forms a clump with tall, upright stems that bear leaves and, from late summer to early fall, produces a showy display of hooded, deep blue to purple flowers which are pollinated by bees and other insects. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which is then dispersed to begin a new generation. During the winter, the Monkshood 'Arendsii' dies back to the ground, resting as a perennial root system that will resprout the following spring. This seasonal dieback allows it to survive cold conditions, resuming growth when the conditions become favorable again.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
The most popular method for propagating Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii', commonly known as Monkshood, involves division. This is often done in the early spring before the plant resumes active growth. To propagate through division, gardeners should carefully dig up the plant, ensuring they get as much of the root system as possible. The root clump can then be divided into smaller sections, each containing at least one growth bud. These sections are replanted immediately at the same soil depth they were previously growing. The divisions should be watered thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This method allows for a relatively quick increase in the number of plants and helps maintain the genetic consistency of the cultivar.
