Monkshood Aconitum × cammarum 'Eleanora'
ABOUT
The Monkshood 'Eleanora' is a striking perennial with a bold presence in the garden. Its most prominent feature is the glossy, dark green foliage that forms a basal mound, from which tall, sturdy stems arise. These leaves are deeply divided into lobes, providing a textured backdrop for the plant's dramatic flowers. The blooms of 'Eleanora' are uniquely shaped, resembling a helmet or hood, which is characteristic of the Monkshood. They are an intense shade of deep blue or purple, presenting a regal appearance. These flower spikes are dense and showy, creating a vertical accent among surrounding plants. The plant’s overall appearance is one of elegance and poise, with its lush foliage and captivating blossoms drawing the eye. Monkshood 'Eleanora' is revered not only for its beauty but also for its ability to inject a touch of drama and color into the landscape. However, it is essential to note that while it is a truly stunning addition to any garden, all parts of this plant are highly toxic if ingested.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ranunculaceae
Synonyms
Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Queen of Poisons, Blue Rocket, Aconite
Common names
Aconitum × cammarum 'Eleanor', Aconitum × bicolor, Aconitum × stoerkianum.
ToxicityTo humans
Monkshood is highly toxic to humans. All parts of the plant, including the roots, leaves, and flowers, contain potent alkaloids such as aconitine. If ingested, monkshood can cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also lead to cardiac symptoms such as palpitations, chest pain, and potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Neurological symptoms might include dizziness, headache, numbness, tingling, and seizures. Without immediate medical intervention, ingestion of monkshood can be fatal due to its effects on the heart and nervous system.
To pets
Monkshood is equally toxic to pets as it is to humans. The ingestion of any part of the plant can result in similar symptoms of toxicity, which include vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, and severe gastrointestinal upset. For pets, monkshood can also lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, difficulty breathing, heart arrhythmias, and seizures. Without prompt veterinary care, ingestion of this highly toxic plant can lead to paralysis, coma, and even death in animals. Owners should ensure that pets cannot access any area where monkshood is grown.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Spread
1.5 feet (0.5 meter)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Aconitum × cammarum 'Eleanora', commonly known as Monkshood, is valued for its striking blue or purple flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Monkshood flowers attract bees and other pollinators, which are important for ecosystem health and agriculture.
- Seasonal Interest: Monkshood provides color and interest during the late summer to fall when many other plants are beginning to decline.
- Herbaceous Perennial: As a perennial, Monkshood comes back year after year, providing long-term presence in a garden without the need for replanting.
- Shade Tolerance: Monkshood can thrive in partially shaded areas, making it suitable for woodland gardens or as an understory plant.
- Cold Hardy: It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for gardens in cooler climates.
- Ease of Cultivation: Monkshood is relatively easy to grow as long as soil conditions and light preferences are met, making it a good choice for a range of gardeners.
- Vertical Interest: With its tall and erect growth habit, Monkshood adds vertical interest and can be used as a backdrop for lower-growing plants.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant: The plant is not favored by deer and rabbits, thus it's less likely to be damaged by these animals than other garden plants.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Aconite, as it is commonly known, has been used historically as a poison due to its high toxicity levels; it was once applied to the tips of arrows and weapons for hunting and combat.
- In folklore and witchcraft, aconite is sometimes associated with the practice of werewolf and vampire warding.
- The plant can be used in dye production, producing a greenish-blue dye that can color fabrics and materials.
- Gardeners sometimes plant aconite as a deer-resistant option, as its toxicity tends to deter herbivores from grazing in gardens.
- The plant has found its place in literary contexts, appearing in murder mysteries and horror stories due to its poisonous reputation.
- In small, controlled doses, it has been used in homeopathy as a treatment for symptoms such as fear, restlessness, and physical pain; notwithstanding, this should never be attempted without strict professional guidance due to its toxicity.
- Aconite has also been a subject of study in ethnobotany, which investigates how different cultures use plants.
- Some cultures have historically used aconite in rituals and ceremonies, believing the plant has protective or cleansing properties.
- Photographers and painters often use aconite as a subject, capturing the beauty of its vivid blue flowers, while being cautious of its toxicity.
- Given its striking appearance, the plant is occasionally used for educational purposes in botany to demonstrate the characteristics of the Ranunculaceae family.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiMonkshood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityMonkshood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Caution: Aconitum, commonly known as Monkshood, has a long history of being a poisonous plant. Its symbolism often includes a warning or represents the need for caution.
- Protection: In some traditions, Monkshood was thought to protect against evil spirits and witchcraft. Hence, it symbolizes a protective barrier.
- Misfortune: Due to its toxicity, the plant is sometimes associated with bad luck and misfortune, warning of danger ahead.
- Deceit: Since the plant is dangerous yet beautiful, it can symbolize deceit or hidden malice, reminding individuals that not everything that looks appealing is safe.
WaterMonkshood ('Eleanora' variety) prefers consistently moist soil, so it should be watered thoroughly once a week. During periods of drought or extreme heat, increase watering to twice a week, ensuring the water penetrates the soil deeply. It's vital to avoid letting the soil dry out completely which can be detrimental to the plant. A good rule of thumb is to provide the Monkshood with about 1 inch of water each week, which is approximately 0.6 gallons for a typical square foot. Adjust this amount depending on rain fall to maintain ideal soil moisture.
LightMonkshood ('Eleanora' variety) thrives best in partial shade where it can be protected from the intense afternoon sun. The best spot would provide morning light and afternoon shade, or dappled light throughout the day. This lighting condition helps the plant maintain its vibrant color and supports healthy growth without the stress that too much direct sunlight can cause.
TemperatureMonkshood ('Eleanora' variety) can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but it performs best in an environment where the temperature is between 50°F and 65°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about -30°F, making it suitable for gardeners in colder climates. Ensure that the planting location avoids extreme temperature fluctuations for optimal growth.
PruningPruning Monkshood ('Eleanora' variety) is generally done to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom in the fall. Deadheading the faded blooms throughout the growing season can promote more flowers. Additionally, cut the plant back to the ground after the first hard frost to prevent self-seeding and help control its spread. The best times for major pruning are early spring or after the plant has finished flowering.
CleaningAs needed
SoilMonkshood prefers a well-draining soil mix high in organic matter, like a blend of loam, peat, and sand. It thrives in slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 6.1 to 7.5.
RepottingMonkshood generally does not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years or when the root system outgrows the container.
Humidity & MistingMonkshood prefers moderate humidity levels and does not require an excessively humid environment; ambient room humidity tends to be sufficient.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Monkshood in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist soil, and protect from strong winds.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe Aconitum × cammarum 'Eleanora', commonly known as Monkshood, begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding favorable conditions of moist, well-drained soil and partial shade, will germinate, typically in the spring. As a perennial, it develops a root system and foliage during its first growing season, with leaves that are deeply divided and palmately lobed. In its second year and subsequent years, Monkshood produces tall, upright stems with spiky inflorescences of helmet-shaped flowers that are usually blue or purple and bloom in the late summer or early fall. After flowering, the plant sets seed which are contained in follicles; these seeds are dispersed, completing the reproductive cycle. Throughout the winter, the above-ground parts of the plant die back, while the roots remain dormant underground. With the return of warmer weather in spring, new growth emerges from the surviving rootstock, allowing the plant to grow, flower, and seed once again.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter to early spring
Monkshood 'Eleanora', a beautiful and potent perennial, is often propagated in the spring or early summer to allow sufficient time for root development before the onset of winter. The most popular method of propagation for this plant is by division. To propagate monkshood by division, carefully dig up the plant in early spring as new growth emerges. The root clump should be split into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has at least a couple of healthy shoots and an adequate amount of root mass. These divisions can then be replanted immediately into well-prepared garden soil, spaced about 18 inches (roughly 45 centimeters) apart to accommodate future growth. Water the new divisions thoroughly to help establish them. It is important to handle monkshood with care due to its toxic nature; wearing gloves is advisable.
