Azure monkshood (Aconitum carmichaeli) is a favorite of gardeners and florists. Native to China, this 5-foot-tall perennial is topped by dense spikes of royal purple flowers with inner markings in a lighter shade. Full sun and moist soil are the plant's preferred growing conditions. In its native range, Aconitum is disliked by herders because of its toxicity to livestock (which avoid it assiduously).

Medicinal (and poisonous) uses of this plant date back to the fifteenth century. All parts are considered poisonous.