Aconitum chasmanthum

Physical Characteristics

Aconitum chasmanthum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower in 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - Western Himalayas from Chitral to Kashmir at 2100 - 3500 metres.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Anodyne Diaphoretic Diuretic Irritant Sedative The dried root is analgesic, anodyne, diaphoretic, diuretic, irritant and sedative[4, 7, 9, 145, 165]. The root is a rich source of active alkaloids, containing around 3%[240]. It is best harvested as soon as the plant dies down in the autumn[4]. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Known Hazards

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people[1].