Aconitum septentrionale

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Aconitum septentrionale is a PERENNIAL. It is in flower from May to July. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Forest margins and rich meadows.

N. Europe.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Root - boiled. This report should be treated with great caution due to the toxic nature of the genus. Young leaves - used as a potherb. It is not poisonous according to one report but this must be treated with extreme caution.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Insecticide: Kills insects.

How it is grown

Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade. Prefers a calcareous soil. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. Grows well in open woodlands. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer. This species is no more than part of A. lycoctonum according to some botanists. We are keeping it separate because of the report that, unlike most members of the genus, this species is not poisonous. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division - best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

A. lycoctonum lycoctonum