Venus' Chariot

Aconitum napellus

Native to:
Austria, Belgium, Czechia-Slovakia, France, Germany, Italy, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Spain, Switzerland

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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:
Medium
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug,sep
Bloom Colors:
blue, purple, violet

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:
★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
bees, bumblebees
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 — 30–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require light for germination and may show erratic germination patterns; fresh seed germinates better than stored seed.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI

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,

Source: Ontario Rock Garden & Hardy Plant Society