This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Uses

Toxic parts

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people[1][2].

Edible uses

Notes

There is a report that this root has been boiled and used for food in Lapland[3]. However, this is a very poisonous plant and such a use is very inadvisable[K].
There are no edible uses listed for Aconitum lycoctonum.

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Aconitum lycoctonum.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The root is alterative, anaesthetic, antiarthritic, antitussive, deobstruent, diaphoretic, diuretic, sedative and stimulant[4]. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[5]. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate[6]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Division - best done in spring but it can also be done in autumn[1][5]. Another report says that division is best carried out in the autumn or late winter because the plants come into growth very early in the year[7].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Aconitum lycoctonum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Thrives in most soils and in the light shade of trees[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil in sun or semi-shade[2]. Prefers a calcareous soil.

Grows well in open woodlands[1][8]. If the flower stems are removed after flowering the plant will normally flower again later in the season[2]. Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer[7]. A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes[9]. A polymorphic species[1].

The nomenclature is very confused for this species, A. lycoctonum. L. is treated as A. septentrionale by many botanists whilst A. lycoctonum. Auct. is A. vulparia[10].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Aconitum lycoctonum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Aconitum lycoctonum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Aconitum lycoctonum
Genus
Aconitum
Family
Ranunculaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
3
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type

    "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.4 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.1 Stuart. Rev. G. A. Chinese Materia Medica. Taipei. Southern Materials Centre ()
    5. ? 5.05.1 Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
    6. ? Rice. G. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 1. Thompson and Morgan. (1987-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    8. ? Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    9. ? Hatfield. A. W. How to Enjoy your Weeds. Frederick Muller Ltd ISBN 0-584-10141-4 (1977-00-00)
    10. ? ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)

    "image:Aconitum_septentrionale.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.