Monkshood Aconitum napellus subsp. vulgare
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as monkshood showcases an erect posture with a distinguishing feature of dark green, glossy leaves that are deeply lobed like the fingers of a hand. The leaves wrap around the stems at their base tapering to a fine point at the tips. The most striking feature, however, is its flowers. These blooms possess a unique helmet or hood-like shape, giving the plant its name. They are typically a deep and vivid blue to purple color, and they are arranged in a raceme at the top of the stems which adds a stately beauty to the plant. Beneath the prominent flowers, narrow sepals spread outwards, sometimes adding subtle hints of green that contrast with the vibrant petals. The overall appearance of monkshood is one of lush foliage crowned with an almost regal floral display, which captivates with both color and intriguing form. This plant, while enchanting in appearance, is well-known for its toxic properties and must be handled with care.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Blue Rocket, Aconite, Queen of Poisons, Helmet Flower, Friar's Cap, Soldier's Cap, Leopard's Bane, Mousebane, Women's Bane, Devil's Helmet, Monk's Blood.
Common names
Aconitum anglicum, Aconitum jacquinii, Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulgare, Aconitum napellus subsp. lusitanicum, Aconitum neomontanum, Aconitum paniculatum, Aconitum variegatum, Aconitum vulgare.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Aesthetics: Monkshood adds dramatic visual interest to gardens with its tall spikes of deep purple or blue flowers and attractive foliage.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers are known to attract bees and other pollinators, which can help with the pollination of nearby plants.
- Traditional Uses: Traditionally used in the making of dyes and in homeopathic remedies, reflecting a cultural and historical value.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooms in the late summer and early fall, providing color and interest in the garden during a time when many other plants have finished flowering.
Medical Properties- Analgesic: Aconitum napellus, commonly known as monkshood, has traditionally been used for its analgesic properties to help relieve pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: The plant has been used historically to reduce inflammation and treat conditions resulting from inflammation.
- Antipyretic: Monkshood has been used to reduce fever and treat febrile conditions.
- Neuralgia: It has been used in the treatment of nerve pain, such as trigeminal neuralgia.
- Cardiac symptoms: In traditional medicine, it was sometimes used to treat specific symptoms associated with heart conditions, though it is not used in modern medicine due to its toxic nature.
- Diuretic: The herb has been used occasionally to promote diuresis, hence helping with the elimination of excess water from the body.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aconitum napellus, commonly known as Monkshood, can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, giving them a blue or green tint depending on the mordant used.
- In the past, extracts from Monkshood were applied to arrow tips by some indigenous tribes in Europe and Asia as a poison in hunting and warfare.
- Gardeners sometimes cultivate Monkshood for its ornamental flowers, which add a deep blue or purple color to the landscape.
- The plant can act as a natural pest deterrent in gardens, as its toxicity can repel deer, rabbits, and rodents.
- Monkshood has been used in ceremonies and folklore as a protection against werewolves and evil spirits.
- The flowers of Monkshood have historically been used in floral arrangements for events and rituals surrounding Halloween due to their sinister reputation.
- Some beekeepers value Monkshood for its late blooming, providing a source of nectar for bees in early autumn when other plants have finished flowering.
- The seeds of Monkshood have been used in traditional fishing practices to stupefy fish, making them easier to catch by hand.
- In fiction and drama, Monkshood is sometimes referenced or depicted as a poison for dramatic plot developments due to its well-known toxicity.
- Monkshood has featured in botanical illustration and plant taxonomy education as an example of a plant with both aesthetic qualities and powerful defensive chemical properties.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Monkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Monkshood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Monkshood: One of the primary symbolic meanings associated with Monkshood is caution or danger due to its highly toxic nature. The plant contains potent poisons that have been used historically in hunting and warfare.
- Protection: In some folklore, Monkshood was used to protect against evil spirits or creatures, perhaps as an extension of its potentially deadly properties acting as a deterrent.
- Deception: Given its beautiful but dangerous flowers, Monkshood can symbolize deceit or hidden danger, echoing the idea that something attractive on the outside may be harmful within.
- Misfortune: Due to its association with toxicity, Monkshood sometimes represents bad luck or ill-will in the language of flowers.
WaterMonkshood should be watered deeply and consistently, especially during dry spells. Aim to maintain moist but not waterlogged soil. It's typically sufficient to water once or twice a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. During hot and dry periods, increase the frequency to ensure the soil does not dry out completely. In general, you might aim to provide Monkshood with around 1 gallon of water per square foot every week or adjust according to the local rainfall and soil conditions.
LightMonkshood thrives best in partial shade, especially in areas with hot summers. The ideal spot for planting Monkshood would be one where it can receive morning sunlight and afternoon shade, or dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid placing it in full sun, as this can cause stress to the plant.
TemperatureMonkshood prefers temperate conditions and can tolerate a wide temperature range. The ideal growing temperatures are between 50°F and 65°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to -30°F and maximum temperatures up to 90°F, but it's crucial to avoid the extremes to prevent stress or damage to the plant.
PruningPruning Monkshood is important to remove any dead or damaged stems to maintain a healthy and aesthetically pleasing plant. The best time to prune is in late fall or early spring. Pruning can also control the size and shape of the plant if necessary. Typically, pruning once a year is enough, but always check for damaged stems after severe weather events.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMonkshood thrives in a well-draining soil mix rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. A blend of loamy soil, peat, and sand or perlite would create an ideal growing medium for this plant. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot.
RepottingMonkshood does not require frequent repotting and can be replanted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. It is best to repot in the spring, just before the growing season starts.
Humidity & MistingMonkshood prefers a moderate humidity level but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the humidity levels typically found in temperate outdoor environments. There is no need for additional humidity control measures.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Monkshood in bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant Monkshood in semi-shade and ensure well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleAconitum napellus subsp. vulgare, commonly known as Monkshood, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in moist, well-drained soil in spring. The plant emerges as a seedling and develops a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. As the plant matures, it produces a tall stem with deeply lobed leaves, followed by distinctive helmet-shaped blue or purple flowers in summer. After pollination, often by bees or other insects, the flowers produce follicles containing numerous seeds. Once the seeds are dispersed in late summer or autumn, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the underground storage organs, such as tuberous roots, enter dormancy through the winter. The plant re-emerges from these perennials parts and the cycle begins anew the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The plant commonly known as Monkshood, Aconitum napellus subsp. vulgare, is commonly propagated by seed or division. The most popular method is by seed, which is often sowed directly outside in the fall so that the cold stratification period needed for germination is provided naturally by the winter. To propagate by seed, prepare a well-draining soil bed in partial shade to full sun. Surface sow the seeds as they need light to germinate and keep the soil moist. Germination can take 1-3 months, and flowering may not occur until the second year. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their final positions in the garden, preferably spaced about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow for mature growth.
