Family: Ranunculaceae TOXIC
Hardy herbaceous perennial. Native to central Europe. One
of the major “drugs of antiquity,” bright blue, with hood-shaped flowers
protecting profusely productive nectaries. Absolutely stunning.
The entire plant, including root, herb and seed, is a deadly poison
if taken in sufficient dosage. Aconite is generally used in a very
dilute form in homeopathy. Even external use must be carefully moderated,
as weakened pulse, numbness and nausea have been known to occur even from
handling the roots with bare hands during transplanting. True Aconite
was once used as a liniment to allay muscle and nerve pain, but has no
place in modern self-medication. Cultivation:
Extra care. Seed planted in the summer will emerge the following
spring. To speed this process, the seed may be subjected to 2 or more weeks
of warm, moist temperatures, followed by at least 6 weeks of freezing
temperatures, after which germination may be expected when the seed is
planted in a warm place. Flowers in the second or third year to a height
of 4 feet.
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