Monkshood Aconitum napellus subsp. napellus Anglicum Group

Names

• Family

  Ranunculaceae

• Synonyms

  Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Blue Rocket, Queen of Poisons, Aconite, Friar's Cap, Helmet Flower, Soldier's Cap, Turk's Cap

• Common names

  Aconitum anglicum, Aconitum stoerkianum.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Aconitum napellus, commonly known as monkshood, is highly toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain potent alkaloids, particularly aconitine. Ingesting even a small amount of monkshood can lead to severe cardiovascular and neuromuscular effects. Symptoms of poisoning can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, a burning sensation in the mouth, numbness, muscle weakness, heart palpitations, hypotension, and severe arrhythmias. Severe cases can result in paralysis of the heart or respiratory system and can be fatal.

• To pets

  Monkshood is also highly toxic to pets. It contains aconitine and related alkaloids, which are poisonous if ingested. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, heart arrhythmia, convulsions, and potentially collapse. Ingestion of monkshood can be quickly fatal to pets due to its effects on the cardiovascular and neuromuscular systems, and immediate veterinary attention is required if ingestion is suspected.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  4 feet (1.2 meters)

• Spread

  2 feet (0.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Ornamental Appeal: Aconitum napellus, commonly known as Monkshood, provides a visually appealing aesthetic with its distinctive hooded blue or purple flowers, making it a popular choice for adding drama and height to garden borders and flower arrangements.
• Attracts Pollinators: Monkshood flowers can attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden and supporting biodiversity.
• Shade Tolerance: This plant can grow well in partially shaded areas, providing a flowering option for garden spots that receive less sunlight.
• Seasonal Interest: With a late summer to early fall blooming period, Monkshood offers color and interest in the garden at a time when many other plants are beginning to decline.
• Toxicity as a Pest Deterrent: Due to its toxic properties, Monkshood is rarely bothered by deer and other herbivores. This characteristic helps protect it and nearby plants from grazing damage.
• Historical and Cultural Significance: Monkshood has a rich history in folklore and mythology, which can add an element of intrigue and storytelling to one's garden or landscape design.

Medical Properties

• Analgesic: Historically used for its pain-relieving properties.
• Anti-inflammatory: Might have been used to reduce inflammation.
• Anodyne: Used in the past to soothe and relieve pain internally and externally.
• Febrifuge: Employed as a treatment to reduce fever.
• Diaphoretic: Used to induce perspiration, possibly as a method to break fevers.
• Cardiotonic: Traditionally used to exert an effect on heart function.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Aconitum, commonly known as monkshood, has been historically used as a poison for hunting and warfare due to its toxic properties.
• In some traditions, monkshood was used in creating ointments or potions believed to imbue the user with the ability to transform into a werewolf.
• The roots of monkshood were sometimes used as an insecticide, specifically against ants and other pests, due to its toxic alkaloids.
• In folklore, it was said that planting monkshood could protect against malignant supernatural entities, as it was believed to have magical protective properties.
• Monkshood has been used as a coloring agent, where its blue-purple flowers provide natural dyes for fabrics.
• The plant was sometimes included in gardens to repel herbivorous animals like deer, which avoid the toxic plant.
• Historically, monkshood was used in potions as a love charm, though this was obviously fraught with danger due to its toxic nature.
• In some regions, monkshood flowers were used to create ceremonial garlands for rituals and traditional festivals.
• Because of its dramatic appearance, monkshood has been used as a model in art and literature, symbolizing deceit and danger.
• Monkshood plants were occasionally used in landscape architecture and garden design to create visually striking backdrops or features due to their tall spires of blue flowers.

Feng Shui

The Monkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Monkshood is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Caution: Aconitum napellus, commonly known as Monkshood, has historically been associated with caution due to its toxic properties, indicating the need to handle certain matters or relationships with care to avoid harm.
• Protection: In some traditions, Monkshood has been used in protection charms owing to its potency, offering symbolic defense against negative forces and threats.
• Misfortune: Due to its toxicity, Monkshood is sometimes seen as a symbol of bad luck or ill omens, suggesting the presence of danger or the potential for unfortunate events.
• Deceit: The attractive appearance of Monkshood belies its dangerous nature, making it a symbol for deception and things that are not as they appear.
• Power: The plant's strong toxic compounds have historically endowed it with a representation of power and the ability to control or overcome.
• Chivalry: In certain cultures, Monkshood is associated with knightly virtue and the courage to face formidable challenges, akin to a knight in battle.