Monkshood Aconitum 'Stainless Steel'
ABOUT
Aconitum 'Stainless Steel', also commonly known as monkshood, is a visually striking plant that is noted for its unique bloom color and overall elegant appearance. The plant's flowers are its most distinctive feature, presenting a metallic blue to silvery-grey hue that is quite rare in the plant world. Remarkably helmet-shaped, each flower is akin to a small, intricate hood, which is how the common name "monkshood" came to be. Apart from the unusual color, the flower spikes are densely packed with these individual blossoms, creating a lush display of color that ascends upwards like a spire. This arrangement gives it a vertical prominence in garden landscapes. The foliage of monkshood 'Stainless Steel' is equally attractive, with deeply divided, leathery leaves that have a dark green coloration. The leaves are palmate, meaning they resemble an open hand, with lobes radiating out from a central point. The texture of the leaves, as well as their intricate shape, provide a beautiful backdrop for the flowers. This visual contrast of striking blooms against the rich green foliage creates a tapestry of color and form that can be quite compelling in a garden setting. Overall, this plant exudes a sense of both drama and sophistication, adding an air of mystery to spaces where it is planted. Its appearance can be a wonderful conversation starter and a highlight among other flowering plants.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Queen Of Poisons, Blue Rocket, Devil's Helmet
Common names
Aconitum 'Stainless Steel'.
ToxicityTo humans
Aconitum, commonly known as Monkshood, is highly toxic to humans if ingested. All parts of the plant contain poisonous alkaloids such as aconitine. Symptoms of Monkshood poisoning can occur rapidly and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a burning sensation in the mouth and stomach, visual disturbances, hypotension, heart palpitations, and severe weakness. In severe cases, paralysis of the heart or respiratory center can occur, which can be fatal.
To pets
Aconitum, commonly known as Monkshood, is similarly toxic to pets as it is to humans. The ingestion of any part of the plant can lead to severe poisoning. Symptoms in pets may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, seizures, and cardiac abnormalities. Ingestion of Monkshood can be quickly fatal in pets due to respiratory failure or cardiac arrest, so immediate veterinary attention is crucial if a pet is suspected to have ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
3-4 feet (0.9-1.2 meters)
Spread
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Features unique steel-blue flowers that add a dramatic touch to gardens.
- Long Blooming: Boasts a lengthy blooming period from mid-summer to early fall.
- Attracts Wildlife: Flowers provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Hardy Plant: Capable of withstanding colder climates, which makes it suitable for various gardens.
- Height Interest: Can reach up to 4 feet, offering vertical interest in landscaping designs.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, requires minimal care beyond occasional watering and pruning.
- Herbaceous Perennial: Dies back in winter and returns in spring, reducing the need for replanting annually.
- Deer Resistant: Typically not preferred by deer, which helps to protect other garden plants.
- Drought Tolerant: Able to survive periods of low water, making it suitable for xeriscaping or drier climates.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- An ingredient in ointments used for external application to reduce joint pain and inflammation, taking advantage of its toxic properties when used topically in proper dilutions.
- As a natural pesticide, extracts from Aconitum, also known as monkshood, can be used to deter pests from gardens and crops due to its toxic nature. Caution is advised due to its high toxicity to humans and animals.
- The vibrant flowers of monkshood are used in floral arrangements for events or decoration purposes, being careful to handle with gloves due to toxicity.
- Dye production is a less common use, where the roots of monkshood have been historically used to create a blue dye, although this practice is rare and risky due to the plant’s poisonous attributes.
- A traditional hunting tool for some indigenous communities, who would tip their arrows with the toxic compounds found in monkshood to quickly bring down prey.
- As a photographic subject, the striking blooms of monkshood are often captured in botanical art and photography for their beauty, featuring in garden magazines and plant portfolios.
- In education, this plant is sometimes used in botany classes to teach students about plant defense mechanisms and the ecological role of naturally occurring toxins.
- Aconitum species can be used as companion plants in gardens to help protect more vulnerable plants from herbivorous insects and animals.
- Monkshood might be used in conservation efforts as a way to maintain or restore natural habitats that require species with defensive chemical properties to balance the ecosystem.
- For cultural and historical studies or reenactments, monkshood might play a role in demonstrating ancient practices and the historical uses of plants in various societies.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Monkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Monkshood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Caution and Danger: Aconitums, commonly known as Monkshood, are infamous for their toxic properties. They symbolize caution because ingesting the plant can be hazardous, reminding us to be careful in unknown or potentially dangerous situations.
- Protection: Historically, Monkshood was used to protect against evil spirits and creatures. It symbolizes a shield against the unseen negative forces.
- Deceit and Mistrust: Due to its poisonous nature, Monkshood also represents deceit. It may appear beautiful, but it harbors a deadly secret, much like a situation or person that seems trustworthy but is not.
- Power: Monkshood is often associated with the power of witches and sorcerers. It symbolizes potent magic and the ability to control situations, as it was believed to be a key ingredient in many magical potions.
WaterThe Monkshood or Wolfsbane should be watered deeply to encourage root growth, ensuring the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant with about an inch of water per week, either through rainfall or manual watering. Adjust the amount during hotter, drier periods, which may require additional water, potentially doubling the weekly amount. Always check the soil moisture a few inches below the surface before watering again to prevent overwatering.
LightMonkshood or Wolfsbane thrives best in partial shade to full sun. However, in hotter climates, it prefers some afternoon shade to protect its foliage from scorching. The ideal spot for this plant would offer it protection from the intense midday sun while still providing a generous amount of morning sunlight and dappled shade in the afternoon.
TemperatureMonkshood or Wolfsbane does well in a temperature range between 50°F and 75°F, which are ideal growing conditions. It can tolerate temperatures down to 0°F but should be protected from prolonged exposure to temperatures below this point. Extended periods of heat above 90°F can stress the plant, so consider providing shade during the hottest parts of the year.
PruningMonkshood or Wolfsbane should be pruned to maintain shape, control size, and remove any spent blooms or dead foliage. Pruning is best done in the fall after flowering has ceased or in early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading, or cutting back spent flower spikes, can sometimes encourage a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMonkshood 'Stainless Steel' prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Mix in compost with garden loam and a handful of perlite for improved drainage.
RepottingMonkshood 'Stainless Steel' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it becomes root-bound and outgrows its current pot.
Humidity & MistingMonkshood 'Stainless Steel' thrives best in average garden humidity levels, avoiding overly dry or excessively moist conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright, indirect light and cool temperatures for Monkshood.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade, sheltered from strong winds in cool climates.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleAconitum 'Stainless Steel', also known as Monkshood, begins its life cycle as a seed, which when sown in fertile, well-draining soil and with adequate moisture, germinates to produce small seedlings. These seedlings develop true leaves and continue to grow into young plants, establishing a robust root system. As the plant matures during the spring and summer, it develops tall, upright stems adorned with deeply divided, palmate leaves, and by mid to late summer, it produces its characteristic hooded flowers, which are a steely blue-gray color. After pollination, typically by bees attracted to the flowers' nectar, the plant produces follicles containing seeds that mature by late summer or autumn. These seeds are eventually dispersed to start the next generation. In winter, the plant dies back to its rootstock, where it remains dormant until the following spring, when the cycle starts anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Monkshood 'Stainless Steel', known scientifically as Aconitum 'Stainless Steel', is typically propagated by seed or by dividing the plant. However, the most popular method of propagation for this perennial is division. Dividing the plant should be done in the early spring. The process involves digging up the plant, carefully splitting it into smaller clumps ensuring that each segment has a good portion of root and at least a couple of shoots. These clumps can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at previously, spaced about 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. After replanting, water the new plants thoroughly to help establish them. It is important to handle all parts of the plant with care, as Monkshood is toxic if ingested.
