Aconitum × cammarum ‘Eleanor’ Monkshood
Monkshoods, members of the buttercup family, are attractive but dangerously poisonous plants. They are native to Europe, but not North America. This one is a cultivated variety. Aconitum × cammarum, from which this cultivar was developed, was first described by Linnaeus himself. Identification: Plants are up to 3′ (1 m) high, blooming from early summer to early fall. Leaves are alternate, dark green, shiny, and deeply divided. This cultivar has copious flowers that are white, outlined in blue-violet. Some are almost entirely white, while these are predominantly blue. They appear from July to August. Edibility: Poisonous All monkshoods are extremely poisonous, especially the roots or green seedpods. They contain several diterpenoid alkaloids, including aconitine, mesaconitine, napelline, and hypaconitine. The poison can be absorbed through cuts or even directly through the skin, so careful handling is essential. Symptoms include tingling and burning in the mouth and lips, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, intense thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, reduced heart rate, paralysis, confusion, visual disturbances, and convulsions. Death can occur in a few minutes, or as much as 24 hours after ingestion. Online References:
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Aconitum × cammarum ‘Eleanor’ description by Thomas H. Kent, last updated 25 May 2020. |
Range: Zones 3a-8b:
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