The genus Aconitum worldwide is notorious for complex patterns of morphologic intergradation that blur the lines between taxa. Aconites from different regions may be morphologically distinct but connected by a series of intermediate races[]. There have been huge differences of opinion between botanists as to how to define a species in this genus, with the Flora of N. America recognizing around 100 species worlwide[], whilst the Flora of China recognizes 211 species in China alone and around 400 species worldwide[]. We are following the proposed treatment in the 'World Checklist of Selected Plant Families', which is still under review, but currently (2016) recognizes about 320 distinct species (391 including hybrids and infraspecific forms) and over 1,000 synonyms[].

Common Name:

General Information

Aconitum × cammarum is a herbaceous perennial plant with a stem around 100cm tall from an oblong tuber[].
The plant used to be a main source of Aconite root for extraction of alkaloids in western Medicine. It has long been cultivated as an ornamental in gardens[].

Known Hazards

The aconites have been of interest since ancient times because they contain diterpene alkaloids that range from relatively nontoxic to deadly poisonous. In various parts of the world they have been used medicinally and as a source of poisons throughout history. The use of Aconitum alkaloids in modern Western medicine was largely discontinued by the late 1930's and early 1940's, though the roots are still widely used in traditional medicine, especially in Asia[, ].

Botanical References

Range

A plant of hybrid origin, probably Aconitum variegatum x Aconitum napellus[].

Habitat

Not known in the wild

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade, succeeding in full sun so long as the soil does not become dry[].
Members of this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits and deer[].
A greedy plant, inhibiting the growth of nearby species, especially legumes[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The root has been important in medicine, where it has been used for the preparation of Extractum Aconiti[].
In Reichenbach's opinion, this is the only species of Aconitum for which there are exact medicinal data[].
Extracts of the Aconitum species have been used orally in traditional medicine to reduce fever associated with colds, pneumonia, laryngitis, croup, and asthma; and for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, diuretic, diaphoretic (cause sweating), cardiac depressant (slow heart rate), and sedative properties. In traditional Asian medicine, root extracts are typically mixed with other ingredients, such as licorice or ginger.

In homeopathy the plant is used to treat headache with vertigo and tinnitus. Cataleptic symptoms. Formication of tongue, lips and face[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - this is a hybrid species, so the seed is unlikely to breed tree. It is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. The seed can be stratified and sown in spring but will then be slow to germinate[]. 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[, ]. 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[].