Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii' | monkshood

Monkshood is one of the most poisonous plants; it is also one of the most beautiful. 'Ardensii' is exceptionally beautiful with tall spikes of azure blue flowers that look like nothing else in the fall garden. Attractive palmate foliage emerges very early in spring (often in February!) and remains attractive through summer.

Though tall, this plant does not flop. It grows well in most soil conditions and light exposures, but is happiest in moisture-retentive soil in full sun.

WARNING: All parts of this plant are extremely toxic.

Distinctions: Winner of an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society.

Zones: 3 to 9
Family: Ranunculaceae
Type: perennial
Height: 24 to 48 in.
Spread: 12 to 18 in.
Exposure: full sun, part-shade
Soil Conditions: average, humus rich, fertile
Bloom Time: September to October
Bloom Color: dark blue
Native Range: central China

Special Characteristics

Deer-resistant
Clay tolerant
Rabbit resistant
Pollinator favorite

image credits

Image 1 (blooms) Ghislain118 http://www.fleurs-des-montagnes.net, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image 2 (foliage) Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Image 3 (form) TeunSpaans assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons