Bei Wu Tou

Aconitum kusnezoffii

Physical Characteristics

Aconitum kusnezoffii is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to September. 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - N. China, N. Japan in Kamtschatka, Korea and Siberia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Alterative Anaesthetic Antiarthritic Deobstruent Diaphoretic Diuretic Sedative Stimulant The root is alterative, anaesthetic, antiarthritic, deobstruent, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative and stimulant[178]. 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].