Aconitum violaceum

Physical Characteristics

Aconitum violaceum is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from August to October. 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 - Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Edible Uses: Root - cooked[177]. It is eaten as a pleasant tonic[240]. These reports should be treated with great distrust due to the poisonous nature of the genus[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Antiinflammatory Febrifuge The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency[241]. Antidote, anti-inflammatory and febrifuge, it is used in the treatment of snake and scorpion bites, contagious infections and inflammation of the intestines[241].

Known Hazards

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people[1, 200]. Another report suggests that the root of this species might not be toxic[240].