Monkshood Aconitum carmichaelii (Wilsonii Group) 'Kelmscott'

Names

• Family

  Ranunculaceae

• Synonyms

  Carmichael's Monkshood, Chinese Aconite, Azure Monkshood, Wilson's Monkshood

• Common names

  Aconitum carmichaelii 'Kelmscott'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Monkshood is highly toxic to humans if ingested, and its toxicity is because it contains several alkaloids, with aconitine being the primary toxic compound. Consumption of any part of the plant, including leaves, flowers, roots, or seeds, can lead to severe poisoning. Symptoms typically begin with a tingling or numbness at the site of ingestion, followed by gastrointestinal upset including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. More severe symptoms may progress to cardiac and respiratory issues such as heart palpitations, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory paralysis. Immediate medical attention is critical for anyone who has ingested Monkshood.

• To pets

  Monkshood is also highly toxic to pets and contains the same harmful alkaloids as it does to humans, with aconitine being the most significant threat. Ingestion of any part of the plant can result in severe poisoning in pets. Symptoms of poisoning in pets can include drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea, followed by severe manifestations like weakness, seizures, heart rhythm abnormalities, difficulty breathing, and potentially death. Pet owners should ensure that pets do not have access to this plant, and if ingestion is suspected, immediate veterinary care is necessary.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-7

• Native area

  China

General Benefits

• Ornamental Appeal: Aconitum 'Kelmscott' adds aesthetic value to gardens with its striking blue or violet flowers.
• Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, which are vital for pollination.
• Seasonal Interest: It blooms in the late summer to early fall, providing color when many other plants have finished flowering.
• Shade Tolerance: This plant can thrive in partially shaded areas, giving gardeners more options for planting in different light conditions.
• Height Variation: Aconitum 'Kelmscott' can add height to garden borders or flower beds, creating dynamic visual landscapes.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care aside from regular watering and occasional fertilization.
• Deer and Rabbit Resistant: Its toxicity makes it less palatable to deer and rabbits, reducing damage from grazing.
• Hardy Perennial: It is a hardy plant that can survive cold winters, and come back year after year.

Medical Properties

• Cardiovascular effects: Aconitum species contain alkaloids such as aconitine, which are known to affect the cardiovascular system, though they are highly toxic and can be fatal.
• Analgesic properties: Historically, the roots have been used in traditional medicine for their analgesic effects to relieve pain, but this application is not safe due to the high toxicity of the plant compounds.
• Anti-inflammatory: There have been some indications that Aconitum species might have anti-inflammatory properties, however, due to the risks associated with its toxicity, it is not used in modern medicine for this purpose.
• Neural effects: Aconitum plants have been used in the past for neuralgia and to reduce fever, but again, because of the associated risks, such uses are not recommended in any formal medical context.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Monkshood 'Kelmscott' can be used in dyeing fabric, giving it a blue or green hue depending on the mordant used.
• The plant has a history in folklore being used in protective charm sachets to guard against negative influences or supernatural harm.
• In some cultures, monks used to crush the plant to make inks for writing illuminated manuscripts due to its intense color.
• Gardeners sometimes plant Monkshood 'Kelmscott' to deter herbivores such as deer and rabbits from their gardens due to its toxic properties.
• The flowers can be used as a natural indicator of soil pH; they acquire a deeper hue in more acidic soils.
• In the past, some fisherman have used sap as a fish poison to temporarily stun fish and facilitate easy capture.
• Monkshood 'Kelmscott' is sometimes incorporated into ceremonial garlands for festivals in some cultures.
• Used as a background plant, Monkshood 'Kelmscott' adds height and structure to themed garden displays, such as gothic or 'witch' gardens.
• Some artists seek inspiration in the plant's dramatic blooms and include it in paintings, photography, and other visual arts.
• This variety of Monkshood can be used as an educational tool in botany classes to discuss plant toxicity and safety in horticulture.

Feng Shui

The Monkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Monkshood is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Caution: Aconitum, commonly known as Monkshood, often symbolizes caution due to its highly toxic nature. Every part of the plant is poisonous, reminding people to be careful and respect what might look beautiful but is dangerous.
• Misfortune: Monkshood is sometimes associated with bad luck or misfortune, possibly stemming from its use in ancient times as a poison.
• Protection: In some traditions, Monkshood was thought to protect against evil spirits or malevolent forces, probably due to its potency as a toxin that could repel or eliminate threats.
• Chivalry: There are also interpretations of Monkshood symbolizing chivalry and knightliness, perhaps because the flower has an appearance reminiscent of a medieval hood worn by knights.