Aconitum kusnezoffii, commonly known as Kusnezoff’s monkshood, is a herbaceous perennial native to the mountainous regions of East Asia, including China, Korea, and Russia. It is typically found in the understory of deciduous forests, forest margins, and alpine meadows, where it enjoys cool, moist conditions. This species can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and is characterized by its deeply divided, dark green leaves and its late summer blooms. The flowers are hooded, deep purple-blue, and highly showy, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. However, all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested.

Kusnezoff’s monkshood is valued for its striking flowers and is used in shaded garden areas, woodland gardens, and borders. It requires consistently moist soil, partial to full shade, and good drainage to thrive. While it is a beautiful addition to the garden, its high toxicity makes it unsuitable for areas frequented by children and pets. Gardeners must handle this plant with care, wearing gloves to avoid skin contact. There are no popular cultivars of significant note, but its dramatic appearance makes it a noteworthy species on its own. Potential problems include root rot in overly wet soils and foliar diseases in humid conditions. Its toxicity should be considered when planting.CC BY-SA 4.0