Monkshood Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group
ABOUT
Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group, commonly known as autumn monkshood, is a striking perennial plant that is well-known for its vibrant and eye-catching features. This plant bears lush, deeply divided, dark green leaves that create a dense mound of foliage. The leaves have a leathery texture and are often palmately shaped, meaning they resemble the palm of a hand with fingers spread. The most distinctive characteristic of the autumn monkshood is its flowers. The plant produces tall, upright spikes that are densely packed with hood-shaped flowers. These blossoms are typically a rich, deep blue or purple color, which adds a splash of brilliance to garden settings when many other plants are beginning to fade. The flowers form a helmet-like structure, which is where the common name "monkshood" originates, as it resembles the hoods worn by medieval monks. The visual appeal of the autumn monkshood is further enhanced during its blooming period, which occurs in late summer to early fall. At this time, the contrast between the dark green foliage and the vivid blue or purple flowers makes it a standout specimen in any garden. The plant tends to have a sturdy and robust appearance, creating an impressive display that draws attention and adds a touch of regal elegance to its surroundings.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Autumn Monkshood, Carmichael's Monkshood, Chinese Aconite
Common names
Aconitum carmichaelii, Aconitum fischeri, Aconitum kusnezoffii.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3-4 feet (91-122cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Aconitum carmichaelii, commonly known as Monkshood, is valued for its striking blue or purple flowers which add visual interest to gardens.
- Attracts Wildlife: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in late summer to fall, Monkshood offers color and vibrancy when many other plants are declining.
- Tolerance to Cold: Monkshood is a hardy perennial that can tolerate cold temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates.
- Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in partially shaded areas where other sun-loving plants may struggle to grow.
- Vertical Interest: With its tall spikes of flowers, it can create a vertical element in garden design, providing structure and height.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Monkshood requires minimal care, making it appealing for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Deer Resistance: Monkshood is generally not favored by deer, making it a good choice for gardens in deer-populated areas.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Historically used in traditional Chinese medicine for its pain-relieving properties.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains compounds believed to have anti-inflammatory effects.
- Febrifuge: Used to reduce fever in some traditional medicinal practices.
- Anodyne: Often used as a topical or systemic agent to alleviate pain.
- Cardiac depressant: Has been used to slow heart rate and reduce force of heart contractions.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aconitum carmichaelii, commonly known as Monkshood, can be used as a natural dye, imparting a blue or green tint to fabrics depending on the mordant used.
- In garden design, Monkshood acts as an excellent border plant due to its height and deep blue flower spikes that add vertical interest to the landscape.
- The cut flowers of Monkshood can be used in floral arrangements, but they require careful handling due to their toxicity.
- Monkshood is sometimes used in rituals or ceremonies by various cultures due to its strong association with myths and legends.
- Horticultural students and plant enthusiasts study Monkshood as an example of a plant with high toxicity, for educational purposes in the field of toxicology.
- Monkshood is used in wildlife gardens as it is known to be of little interest to deer and rabbits, which tend to avoid it due to its poisonous nature.
- It acts as a companion plant in the garden, possibly deterring pests with its toxicity to keep other nearby plants safer from herbivorous insects.
- The plant has been referenced in fine arts, such as painting and literature, because of its striking flowers and legendary historical use as a poison.
- Photographers and nature enthusiasts often seek out Monkshood because of its visually striking appearance for inclusion in botanical photography.
- In some traditions, Monkshood may be used symbolically to represent caution or danger, due to its well-known toxic properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Monkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Monkshood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection: Aconitum, commonly known as monkshood, is historically associated with protection. This is likely due to its toxic properties, which were believed to ward off evil spirits and creatures.
- Misfortune: Because of its toxicity, monkshood also represents misfortune or danger, signaling a warning to be cautious about potential risks and threats.
- Deceit: The beautiful appearance of the monkshood flower masks its deadly nature, making it a symbol of deceit or hidden malice.
- Witchcraft: Due to its use in ancient potions and poisons, monkshood is often associated with witchcraft and the magic arts.
WaterMonkshood should be watered deeply to ensure the roots are thoroughly moistened, typically requiring about 1 inch of water per week either from rainfall or supplemental watering. During hotter and drier periods, increase watering to maintain consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging as this can lead to root rot. In cooler climates or during the fall, reduce watering to match the reduced evaporation rates. To avoid fungal issues, water at the base of the plant rather than overhead to keep the foliage dry.
LightMonkshood prefers partial shade to full sun, thriving best in locations that provide morning sun and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. In areas with intense midday sun, it's vital to protect the plants from too much direct sunlight to prevent scorching of the leaves. Ideal growing conditions would include a spot that receives sun for part of the day but is shielded during the hottest hours.
TemperatureMonkshood is hardy and can withstand a wide range of temperatures but grows best when daytime temperatures are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant can survive minimum temperatures down to -20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for many temperate regions. However, prolonged exposure to temperatures above 85 degrees Fahrenheit can stress the plant, so it's essential to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the year.
PruningPruning Monkshood involves removing spent flower stalks to encourage additional blooms and cutting back the foliage to the ground in late fall or early winter after it dies back. Pruning not only helps maintain a neat appearance but also prevents the plant from self-seeding excessively. The best time to prune is after flowering has completed for the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMonkshood thrives in moist, well-drained soil with rich organic matter and a pH of about 5.5 to 7.0. A good mix for Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii' might include equal parts of loamy garden soil, leaf mold or well-rotted manure, and coarse sand or perlite for drainage.
RepottingMonkshood, being a perennial, doesn't require frequent repotting. It can typically remain in the same spot for several years. Divide and repot every 3-4 years in early spring to rejuvenate and prevent overcrowding.
Humidity & MistingMonkshood prefers moderate humidity and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in temperate outdoor environments. It doesn't require any additional humidity adjustments when grown outside in its preferred climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temperatures.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist, rich soil.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleAconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group, commonly known as Monkshood, begins its life cycle with seed germination, which generally occurs in late winter or early spring. As temperatures rise, the seeds sprout and develop into small seedlings with characteristic leaves. Throughout the spring and summer, the plant grows vegetatively, producing long, stem leaves and forming a bushy plant structure. By late summer to early autumn, it reaches maturity and produces its distinctive hooded flowers which can be blue, purple, or white in color. After flowering, Monkshood produces follicles containing seeds, which are dispersed by various means such as wind or gravity. With the onset of winter, the plant typically dies back to its rhizome, entering a period of dormancy until the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Summer to Early Fall
Propogation: The Monkshood, Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii Group, is most commonly propagated by division of its tuberous roots. The best time to carry out this process is in the early spring before the plant starts to actively grow. To divide Monkshood, carefully dig up the plant and gently separate the roots into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least one eye or growth point. Replant the divisions immediately, giving them a spacing of about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters). Water them thoroughly to help establish the new roots. This method ensures genetic consistency and results in mature plants faster than other propagation methods such as seeding, which is not usually recommended due to the plant’s slow and variable germination rates.
