Aconitum japonicum subsp. subcuneatum ("Okutorikabuto")

Japanese name: オクトリカブト （奥鳥兜）
Scientific name: Aconitum japonicum subsp. subcuneatum

[Overview]
The most common Torikabuto in the Tohoku region.
A pseudo-annual 60–200 cm tall, found in slightly moist places such as beech forests.
The stem usually leans to one side.
There are basal leaves and stem leaves; the basal leaves and the leaves on the lower part of the stem have withered by flowering time.
The stem leaves are alternate, 7–15.5 cm long and 8.5–19 cm wide, palmately divided into 5–7 lobes.
A rod-shaped corymb or panicle about 8–20 cm long bears 3–10 bluish purple flowers.
The 5 sepals are petal-like, and the uppermost one is shaped like a helmet.
The helmet is conical to mitre-shaped, with a long beak.
The petals are inside the helmet and have a slender spur.
The spur bends through more than 180 degrees, or rarely is short and sac-like.
The stamens are hairy.
The fruit is a follicle, usually held upright.

[Uses]
It is poisonous, but the tuberous roots are used medicinally.

[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
Sow seeds immediately after collecting, or store them in moist sand or similar in a cool, dark place and sow them the following spring.
It prefers bright partial shade, good air circulation, and fertile, well-drained soil that retains moisture.
It dislikes strong direct sunlight, high temperatures and dryness in summer.
When planted in the ground, it is best placed under deciduous trees.
Water thoroughly when the soil surface dries.
In spring, apply slow-release fertilizer placed on the soil.
Aphids can occur.

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