A long lived perennial hardy for zones 3-7. Native to central China, this species of monkshood is sometimes commonly called autumn-flowering monkshood because of its late summer to early fall bloom. It blooms later than most other species of Aconitum. It is an erect, tuberous-rooted perennial that features dense panicles (to 8" long) of hooded flowers atop rigid, leafy stems typically growing 2-3' tall. In optimum growing conditions, plants may grow 4-5' tall. Species flowers are deep purple inside and paler blue outside. The upper sepal of each flower develops into a large, helmet-like structure that somewhat resembles the hood worn by medieval monks, hence the common names of monkshood and helmet flower. Leathery, dark green leaves are deeply divided into 3-5 lobes. All parts of the plant (especially the roots and seeds) are extremely poisonous.