Japanese Aconite, Carmichael's monkshood
Aconitum carmichaelii

Family: Ranunculaceae

What it is like

Aconitum carmichaelii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is 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): 1.5

Where it is found

Forest margins, scrub, grassy slopes and mountains at elevations of 100 - 2200 metres.

E. Asia - C. and W. China to N. America.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 2

A widely used herbal remedy in China, where it is cultivated for its root. This is harvested in the autumn as the plant dies down and is then dried before being used. The root is anaesthetic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antirheumatic, cardiotonic, stimulant and vasodilator. It is used in the treatment of shock and collapse, chronic diseases with symptoms of cold, gastralgia and rheumatic arthralgia, oedema and diarrhoea due to hypofunction of the spleen and kidney. A tincture of the root is used externally in the treatment of rheumatism, arthralgis, sprains, contusions etc. Use with great caution, the plant contains the toxic alkaloid aconitine and is very poisonous - should not be used internally unless under the direction of a qualified practitioner. Overdoses lead to numbness of the tongue, lips and extremities, nausea, vomiting, irritability and coma.

Anaesthetic: Numbs the feeling in a local or general area of the body.

Analgesic: Relieves pain.

Antiinflammatory: Reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Cardiotonic: A tonic for the heart.

Vasodilator: Widens the blood vessels, thereby reducing blood pressure.

Other

Rating:

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. Plants will only thrive in a sunny position if the soil remains moist throughout the growing season. Prefers a calcareous soil. This species is not included in the Flora of North America and so it should be considered doubtful that its range includes this region. A very ornamental plant, there are some named forms. It grows well in open woodlands. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes. Closely related to A. fischeri and considered to be part of that species by some botanists.

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: 3-7

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 carmichaeli wilsonii. A. fischeri. Forbes.&Hemsl. non Rchb.