Aconitum chinense

Physical Characteristics

Aconitum chinense is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August. 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 - China

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Anodyne Carminative Diaphoretic Diuretic Irritant Sedative The root is analgesic, anodyne, carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, irritant, sedative[4, 7, 9, 145, 165]. 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, 200].