Aconite, << AK uh nyt, >> is a group of flowering plants that thrive in cool, northern regions. They are perennials, which means they can live for more than two years. There are hundreds of aconite species (kinds). Most of them grow in Asia. Aconite flowers bloom in spring and summer and vary in color from purple-blue to yellow and white.
Aconites may grow from 1 to 6 feet (30 to 180 centimeters) high. The upper parts of their flowers resemble hoods or helmets. The roots, seeds, and leaves of some aconites are poisonous. A species of aconite called the common monkshood produces a drug also called aconite. This drug is used in traditional Asian medicine. The drug aconite contains a powerful poison, aconitine, that can be deadly.
