Monk's-hood (Aconitum napellus)

Also known as: Wolfsbane, Auld wife's huid, Helmet flower, Garden monkshood

Monk's-hood (Aconitum napellus) is an extremely toxic plant that is native to western and central Europe. It is deadly if ingested and its toxic properties can be absorbed through the skin, so the plant must never be handled without gloves. It has a long history of being used as a poison. In mid-summer, it produces dark purple-blue flowers.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Monk's-hood

Lifespan

Perennial, Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

45 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Color

Blue Purple White Pink Violet

Images of Monk's-hood

Quickly Identify Monk's-hood

This plant can be identified by its tall, spikelike clusters of dark blue to violet flowers, deeply lobed leaves, and its tall stature reaching between 1-1.5 meters. Avoid handling without protection due to its toxicity.

Scientific Classification of Monk's-hood

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Ranunculales

Family

Buttercup

Genus

Monkshood

Species

Monk's-hood

Planting and Growing of Monk's-hood

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 5 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Monk's-hood?

When watering Aconitum napellus, aim to give it around 250 ml each time. Ensure that the water soaks through the soil, reaching the roots, but avoid leaving the soil waterlogged. The principle is to maintain even moisture without drowning the plant.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Monk's-hood? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Monk's-hood?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 4-6 hours of sun

Aconitum napellus flourishes with partial sun to full shade. Ideal lighting supports lush, healthy foliage and encourages the production of striking, vibrant flowers.

What is the ideal lighting for Aconitum napellus? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Monk's-hood?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Aconitum napellus, known as monkshood, thrives best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F. These temperatures mimic its natural alpine habitat, encouraging robust growth and flowering. For indoor cultivation, consistent temperature maintenance within this range ensures healthy development.

What Soil is Best for Monk's-hood?

Soil type: Loam, Acidic soil, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Aconitum napellus thrives in well-drained soil that prevents root rot and waterlogging. This helps the plant absorb water efficiently, promoting vigorous growth and robust flowering. While good drainage is crucial, the soil for Aconitum napellus should also retain moisture to ensure that the plant is consistently hydrated, supporting lush foliage and healthy growth. Soil rich in organic matter provides the essential nutrients Aconitum napellus needs for sustained growth. A fertile substrate enhances the plant's vitality and the brilliance of its blooms. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Monk's-hood?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Aconitum napellus, commonly known as monkshood, requires careful fertilization. It prefers a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, typically a 10-10-10 NPK ratio. Apply at a rate of 2 tablespoons per gallon of water. Ensure the soil is moist before applying liquid fertilizer to avoid root burn. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Monk's-hood?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Start by pruning away any dead or discolored stems and foliage at the base. This clears the plant of unwanted material, allowing fresh growth to thrive and maintaining its overall health. Identify and remove crowded or overlapping stems to improve air circulation within the plant. This reduces the risk of fungal infections and encourages more uniform growth across the plant. Trim Aconitum napellus to maintain its desired shape by cutting back excessively tall or unruly stems. Follow the natural contours of the plant to ensure an aesthetically pleasing and balanced appearance. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Monk's-hood plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early summer

To propagate Aconitum napellus effectively, prepare a well-draining soil mixture comprising peat, perlite, and sand. This combination ensures adequate drainage while retaining enough moisture for seed germination or root development.

When propagating via seeds, sow them in the prepared seed trays. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and maintain consistent moisture by misting the surface. Proper light exposure is crucial for germination, so place trays in a bright area away from direct sunlight.

For cuttings or divisions, carefully cut a healthy section of the plant using sterilized tools. Ensure that each section has a piece of the root system attached. Plant the divisions in individual pots filled with the prepared soil mixture. Keep them in a shaded area initially to minimize stress.

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How to Repot Monk's-hood plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Aconitum napellus signals its need for repotting when roots start encircling the pot, growth seems stunted, or water drainage becomes poor. These are clear signs the plant has outgrown its current container, typically needing attention every 2-3 years.

Select a pot that’s about 2 inches wider in diameter than the current one to give roots room to expand. The material should allow airflow, like terracotta, benefiting the plant by preventing root rot and ensuring healthier growth.

Opt for well-draining sandy loam soil, which not only provides the necessary nutrients but also ensures excess water doesn’t linger, helping prevent root rot. The loose texture is ideal for ensuring ongoing plant health.

Toxicity of Monk's-hood

Is Monk's-hood toxic to humans?

Monk's-hood represents a considerable threat to human health due to its extremely high toxicity. Each component of the plant contains the powerful toxin aconitine, which can result in poisoning when ingested. Even minimal amounts of aconitine, when accidentally consumed, can interfere with the normal operations of the nervous system. The symptoms of poisoning are severe and may encompass a burning feeling in the mouth, vomiting, diarrhea, lowered blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and serious neurological effects such as numbness, tingling, and potentially fatal paralysis affecting the heart and respiratory functions. The entirety of the plant is toxic, and there isn't any safe part for consumption, necessitating a strict avoidance of accidental ingestion and careful handling.

Is Monk's-hood toxic to cat?

Monk's-hood is extremely hazardous to cats and demonstrates severe toxicity when ingested. If a cat mistakenly consumes any portion of the plant, the outcomes can be severe since the entire monk's-hood is poisonous. The toxic substance, aconitine, impacts cats rapidly, resulting in symptoms that indicate considerable physical distress. To safeguard feline wellbeing, it is essential to restrict access to monk's-hood and to monitor for any signs of discomfort or abnormal behavior. If poisoning is suspected, it is vital to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to ensure the best opportunity for recovery.

Is Monk's-hood toxic to dog?

Monk's-hood represents a significant danger to the health of dogs because of its potent toxicity. If dogs inadvertently consume any portion of the monk's-hood plant, they can suffer poisoning since the entire plant is harmful. After ingestion, affected dogs might show signs including gastrointestinal distress, irregular heart rhythms, and neurological impairment. The harmful effects of this plant are primarily attributed to the presence of aconitine. If you believe your dog has consumed monk's-hood, it is crucial to obtain prompt veterinary assistance to manage the poisoning.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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