Monkshood Aconitum napellus 'Gletschereis'
ABOUT
Aconitum napellus 'Gletschereis', commonly known as Monkshood, features a stunning display with its unique and eye-catching flowers. The blossoms are shaped like helmets or hoods, which is where the common name Monkshood derives from. These flowers exhibit a delicate pale icy blue color that can add a cool tone to any garden setting. The foliage of Monkshood 'Gletschereis' consists of deeply divided, dark green leaves that are palmately shaped, giving a lush and dense appearance to the plant. The leaves are arranged in a spiral fashion, contributing to the plant's overall textured appearance. The flowering stems of the plant are sturdy and hold the blooms high above the foliage, creating a striking vertical element in the landscape. The flowers are arranged in a raceme, which is a cluster of flowers along the stem, offering a showy bloom display that can catch the eye from a distance. Overall, the appearance of Monkshood 'Gletschereis' is one of elegance and visual interest, with its cool-toned flowers and rich, green foliage combining to provide a refreshing presence in a garden or landscaped space.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae.
Synonyms
Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Blue Rocket, Aconite, Queen of Poisons, Helmet Flower, Monk's Blood, Leopard's Bane, Women's Bane, Devil's Helmet, Queen of all Poisons, Blue Monkshood.
Common names
Aconitum napellus.
ToxicityTo humans
Monkshood, including the cultivar Aconitum napellus 'Gletschereis', is highly toxic to humans. All parts of the plant contain potent alkaloids, such as aconitine, which can cause severe poisoning. Symptoms of monkshood poisoning may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, sweating, dizziness, heart palpitations, and severe difficulty breathing. Ingestion of even a small amount of the plant can lead to paralysis of the heart or respiratory system, which can be fatal.
To pets
Monkshood is also highly toxic to pets. The entire plant contains dangerous compounds that can affect the nervous system, heart, and gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of poisoning in pets may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, weakness, seizures, heart rhythm abnormalities, and potentially death. Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if a pet has ingested any part of the monkshood plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
1 foot 6 inches (0.46 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Aconitum napellus 'Gletschereis', commonly known as Monkshood, has striking blue or violet flowers that provide aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flower's nectar and pollen attract bees and butterflies, which are beneficial for pollination of garden plants and the surrounding ecosystem.
- Shade Tolerance: Monkshood is capable of growing in partial shade, making it a versatile option for gardeners with shaded areas.
- Cold Resistance: As a hardy perennial, it can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for cooler climates and providing a longer season of interest in the garden.
- Deer and Rodent Resistance: Its toxic properties deter deer, rodents, and other garden pests, reducing the need for chemical repellents.
- Vertical Interest: The tall spires of flowers add vertical interest to garden beds and borders, offering a contrast to low-growing plants.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Aconitum napellus 'Gletschereis' requires minimal maintenance, appealing to gardeners looking for easy-care plants.
Medical Properties- Analgesic - Historically, monkshood has been used to relieve pain.
- Anti-inflammatory - The herb has been applied in traditional healing practices for its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
- Fever reducer - In folk medicine, monkshood was used to reduce fever.
- Anodyne - It has been utilized for its numbing properties to soothe pain.
- Diuretic - Monkshood has been claimed to increase urine production in traditional healing systems.
- Sedative - Some historical practices involved using this plant as a sedative to calm nervous disorders.
- Toxin - It must be noted that this plant is highly toxic, and the therapeutic window is extremely narrow, rendering its use dangerous without medical supervision.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Wildlife habitat: Aconitum napellus, also known as Monkshood, can provide shelter and a natural habitat for certain species of insects and small animals in gardens or wild settings.
- Garden design: Monkshood is often used to add vertical interest and a splash of cool blue color to perennial borders and woodland gardens.
- Flower arranging: The tall, striking spikes of Monkshood flowers are sometimes used in floral arrangements for their unique appearance and intense blue hue.
- Photography subject: The distinctive shape and color of Monkshood flowers make them a popular subject for garden photographers and botanical illustrators.
- Theatrical use: Due to its dramatic look, Monkshood can be employed in stage settings or photo shoots to create a mystical or old-world atmosphere.
- Educational tool: Monkshood is sometimes used in educational settings to teach about plant toxicity, biodiversity, and the importance of handling plants with care.
- Dye production: Historically, various parts of the Monkshood plant have been used to create a blue dye for textiles, although this is not a common practice due to the plant's toxicity.
- Literary inspiration: Monkshood's dramatic appearance and toxic reputation have inspired its inclusion in folklore, poetry, and literature.
- Botanical study: Monkshood is a subject of study for botanists and plant enthusiasts interested in understanding the morphological characteristics of the Ranunculaceae family.
- Bee-friendly gardening: Although toxic to humans and many animals, Monkshood flowers can attract and provide nectar for bees and other pollinators.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMonkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMonkshood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Caution: Aconitum napellus, commonly known as Monkshood, historically represents caution due to its highly toxic nature. The plant's poison was once used on arrow tips for hunting and in battle.
- Misfortune: Often linked to bad luck or death because the plant can be fatally poisonous if ingested.
- Deceit: The beautiful but deadly nature of Monkshood has made it a symbol of deceit or treachery.
- Protection: In some traditions, Monkshood was thought to protect against evil spirits or werewolves, possibly due to its poisonous properties acting as a barrier.
- Witchcraft: Associated with witchcraft and was believed to be used in potions and spells due to its potent medicinal and toxic qualities.
WaterMonkshood requires consistent moisture, so water it deeply once a week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, depending on weather conditions. During hot, dry spells, increase watering frequency to maintain evenly moist soil, but never let the soil become soggy or waterlogged. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant prepares for dormancy. Always water at the base of the plant to minimize leaf wetness and potential disease issues. For potted Monkshood, ensure the pot has good drainage and adjust watering as needed, as containers can dry out faster than garden soil.
LightMonkshood thrives in partial shade, particularly in areas that receive morning sun and afternoon shade. This light condition helps to protect the plant from intense midday heat, which can be stressful. The ideal spot is under the dappled light of a tree canopy or on the east side of a structure where it will receive gentler sunlight. Avoid deep shade, as this can result in poor blooming and leggy growth.
TemperatureMonkshood is hardy in a range of temperatures and can survive winter temperatures down to -20°F, making it suitable for colder climates. During the growing season, it prefers temperatures between 50°F and 65°F for optimal growth. It is important to protect the plant from extreme heat, with temperatures over 90°F being potentially stressful to Monkshood.
PruningPrune Monkshood in the late fall or early spring to remove any dead or damaged foliage and to maintain its shape. This will improve air circulation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Pruning is also the time to cut back spent flower stalks after blooming to encourage a tidy appearance. The best time for substantial pruning is after the plant has gone dormant to avoid stress during the active growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMonkshood 'Gletschereis' thrives in fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A mixture of loam, organic compost, and a small amount of sand for improved drainage makes the best soil mix. Mulch can be added to maintain moisture and temperature.
RepottingMonkshood 'Gletschereis' should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot. Repotting is best done in the spring before active growth begins.
Humidity & MistingMonkshood 'Gletschereis' prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to different conditions as long as the soil moisture is appropriate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and ensure pot has drainage.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade, moist soil; protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-7 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Aconitum napellus 'Gletschereis', commonly known as Monkshood 'Gletschereis', begins with seed germination, preferably in cold conditions due to the plant's requirement for stratification—a period of cold to break dormancy. After germination, the seedlings emerge and develop into juvenile plants, showing characteristic lobed leaves and establishing a strong root system. As the plant matures, it enters the vegetative growth stage, producing tall stems with paired leaves, and it eventually develops distinct inflorescences with blue or violet helmet-shaped flowers, typically in midsummer. Following the flowering stage, pollination occurs, often by bees attracted to the plant's nectar, leading to the formation of follicles that contain numerous small seeds. After seed dispersal in late summer or fall, the plant enters a period of dormancy, during which the above-ground parts die back, and the plant overwinters with its perennial rootstock. The cycle restarts with the return of favorable conditions in spring, as new shoots arise from the rootstock.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Aconitum napellus 'Gletschereis', commonly known as Monkshood 'Gletschereis', propagates most effectively by division. The optimal time for dividing Monkshood plants is in the early spring or fall, when the plant is dormant and the risk of transplant shock is minimal. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the entire plant, ensuring that you keep a good amount of soil around the roots. Then, gently tease apart the crown sections that have multiple growth points, making sure that each divided section has at least one growth bud and a portion of the root system. Replant these divisions promptly, maintaining the same soil depth as the original plant, and water them thoroughly. In a few weeks, these divisions will establish themselves and start producing new growth, carrying on the characteristics of the parent plant.
