Venus' Chariot
Aconitum napellus
- Native to:
- Austria, Belgium, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Spain, Switzerland
Bernd Haynold
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Ranunculaceae
- Genus:
- Aconitum
- Species:
- Aconitum napellus
- USDA Symbol:
- ACNA
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 150 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- blue, purple
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★★★★☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★★☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Prefers cool, mountainous regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 21–90 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 4-8 weeks; germination is often slow and erratic.
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow immediately, Either the viability of these seeds is short or the species propagates best with fresh seed. Stored seed might be coaxed into germination with temperature cycling and patience. * seed very poisonous, wash hands after handling ,20°C x 4 weeks, then -7°C x 6 weeks, then 10°C,
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Sheffield's Seed (seeds)