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Monkshood

Aconitum napellus

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameMonkshood

DescriptionStrikingly beautiful but DEADLY POISONOUS perennial with distinctive helmet or hood-shaped flowers in deep purple-blue. Tall spikes of hooded blooms rise above deeply divided dark green foliage in late summer. ALL PARTS EXTREMELY TOXIC - contains aconitine, one of most poisonous plant compounds known. Fatal if ingested, can be absorbed through skin. Historically used as arrow poison and in assassinations. Despite extreme danger, grown in gardens for dramatic late-season blooms. Native to European mountains. Handle only with gloves. Keep away from children and pets. Plant with extreme caution.

FamilyRanunculaceae

GenusAconitum

TribeDelphinieae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaEBr % ⚥ K5 C2-5 A∞ G3-5

Ebracteate, zygomorphic (bilateral symmetry), bisexual, 5 free sepals (upper one large and helmet-shaped, 2 lateral, 2 lower), 2-5 small petals modified as nectaries hidden under helmet, numerous free stamens, 3-5 free carpels (apocarpous) with superior ovaries forming follicles. Complex irregular flower structure

Features

Name 'Monkshood' from helmet-shaped upper sepal resembling medieval monk's cowl. 'Aconite' from Greek 'akoniton.' 'Wolfsbane' because used to poison wolves and werewolves in folklore. Contains aconitine - one of most toxic plant alkaloids. Used historically as arrow poison, in murders, and executions. About 250 Aconitum species
Flowers 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long, distinctive helmet or hood shape formed by large upper sepal. Deep purple-blue (most common), also violet, white, yellow, or bicolor. Arranged in tall spikes 6-18 inches long. Blooms late summer to fall (July-October). Each spike has 20-50 flowers opening from bottom up. Attractive but DEADLY
Herbaceous perennial with erect, unbranched stems. Leaves deeply divided into 5-7 lobes, dark green, glossy. Grows from tuberous roots (most toxic part). Dies back to ground in winter, regrows in spring. All parts contain deadly aconitine alkaloid. Even handling plant can cause skin numbness. Wear gloves when touching
Grows 2-5 feet (60-150 cm) tall, occasionally to 6 feet. Spread 1-2 feet. Lifespan of 10-20+ years as perennial. Propagated from seed (slow, 2-3 years to bloom) or division of tuberous roots (wear gloves!). Seeds need cold stratification. Slow-growing but long-lived once established
Native to western and central Europe, particularly mountain regions and alpine meadows. Found in moist woodlands, stream banks, and mountain slopes. Now cultivated in gardens worldwide in cool climates. Grows wild in Northern Hemisphere temperate zones. Prefers cool summers, struggles in heat
Requires partial shade to full shade (2-4 hours sun maximum). Prefers cool, moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Needs consistent moisture. Dislikes heat and drought. Hardy zones 3-7. Performs best in cool climates. Mulch to keep roots cool. Avoid hot, sunny locations
EXTREME DANGER: ALL PARTS DEADLY POISONOUS. Aconitine causes heart failure, paralysis, death within hours. As few as 2-6 grams of root can kill adult. Poison absorbed through skin - causes numbness, tingling. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmia, respiratory failure. NO ANTIDOTE. Never ingest. Handle only with gloves. Keep away from children and pets
Despite toxicity, valued for late-season blue flowers and shade tolerance. Attracts bumblebees (immune to poison). Used historically in traditional medicine (extremely dangerous). Still used in homeopathy in minute doses. Plant only if you understand risks. Mark clearly as poisonous. Consider safer alternatives if children or pets present

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificAconitum napellus

English (Alternate)Aconite, Wolfsbane, Devil's Helmet, Blue Rocket, Friar's Cap, Leopard's Bane, Queen of Poisons

Hindiमीठाविश (Mithavish), बछनाग (Bachnag), वत्सनाभ (Vatsanabha)

Tamilநஞ்சுகளின் அரசி (Nanjukalin Arasi), அதிவிஷம் (Ativisam), வத்சநாபி (Vatsanabi)

Teluguవసనాభి (Vatsanabhi), విషముల రాణి (Vishamula Rani)

Malayalamവത്സനാഭി (Vatsanabhi), അതിവിഷം (Athivisham)

Kannadaವತ್ಸನಾಭಿ (Vatsanabhi), ವಿಷ ಹೂವು (Visha Hoovu)

Sanskritवत्सनाभ (Vatsanabha), विष (Visha), अमृत (Amrita)

Bengaliকাথভিশ (Kathabhisha), মিঠা বিষ (Mitha Bish), বিষাক্ত ফুল (Bishakto Phul)

FrenchAconit napel, Casque de Jupiter, Tue-loup

RussianБорец (Borets), Аконит (Akonit), Волчий корень (Volchiy koren)

SpanishAcónito, Napelo, Matalobos

GermanEisenhut, Blauer Eisenhut, Sturmhut, Mönchskappe

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.