Search Plants
Try for Free
English
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Monkshood (Aconitum)
Also known as : Mousebane, Leopard's bane, Wolf's-bane, Blue rocket
Monkshood is a genus of over 250 species. These herbaceous perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The dark green leaves of monkshood species lack stipules. They are palmate or deeply palmately lobed with five to seven segments. Each segment again is trilobed with coarse sharp teeth. The leaves have a spiral (alternate) arrangement. The tall, erect stem is crowned by racemes of large blue, purple, white, yellow, or pink zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens. Two to 10 petals are present. The fruit is an aggregate of follicles, a follicle being a dry, many-seeded structure. 
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Monkshood
Feedback
Attributes of Monkshood
Plant Height
91 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
30 cm to 45 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of Monkshood
Distribution of Monkshood
Feedback
Distribution Map of Monkshood
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Monkshood
Feedback
The monkshood genus, commonly referred to as monkshood or wolfsbane, boasts beautiful blooms and requires moderate care. Basic care includes light shade to full sun exposure, regular watering, well-draining, rich soil and cool temperatures. Common challenges include susceptibility to powdery mildew, leaf spot diseases, slugs, and snails, along with sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Seasonal considerations involve late winter pruning, cautious summer watering and autumn planting for most species in the genus. As a potentially toxic plant, ensure safety in placement away from pets and children.
Exploring the Monkshood Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Monk's-hood
Monk's-hood (Aconitum napellus) is an extremely toxic plant that is native to western and central Europe. It is deadly if ingested and its toxic properties can be absorbed through the skin, so the plant must never be handled without gloves. It has a long history of being used as a poison. In mid-summer, it produces dark purple-blue flowers.
Monkshood
Monkshood is a flowering plan that is highly toxic. Simple skin contact can initiate numbness. This plant is legendary and much folklore and tales of it date back to ancient BC. In fact, it has been dubbed the "Queen of poisons."
Columbian Monkshood
Named for its hooded flowers, the columbian Monkshood’s sepals resemble a monk’s cowl. This member of the buttercup family is considered poisonous. It grows in moist, wet areas such as meadows and forests.
Wholesome wolfs bane
The poison monkshoot grows as a perennial herbaceous plant and reaches stature heights of 25 to 150 centimeters. The stiff upright stems are bluish-green and hairy. The hand-shaped divided stem leaves are five to seven parts to the bottom, the sections are two to three times fiederteilig and narrow linear, 1 to 2 millimeters wide Zipfel have.
Variegated monk's-hood
Variegated monk's-hood has been reported as highly toxic to humans and animals, including livestock. Variegated monk's-hood is a perennial herbaceous plant featured in European mythology. The patches or streaks of colors on its petals resemble the cowl of a monk, hence its common name.
Climbing monk's-hood
Climbing monk's-hood is a scrambling plant that is often used as an ornamental feature in cottage gardens, beds, borders, and underneath roses and shrubs. This plant loves soil with good drainage. Its Latin name Aconitum hemsleyanum comes from the ancient Greek word akoniton, which is used for poisonous plants, and hemsleyanum, which honors the English botanist William Hemsley.
Monkshood
Monkshood is found in forests and on slopes. While the plant requires the activity of pollinators to ensure reproduction, the pollen of this species is deliberately toxic so that insects do not eat too much. The male flowers compensate for this deterrent by producing extra nectar.
Chinese aconite
Chinese aconite is an award-winning flowering garden plant. Its flowers are similar to other species in the genus except for its late blooming time, which provides nectar for bees after other plants are no longer flowering. It is important to note that all parts of plants are poisonous and should always be kept away from young children.
All Species of Monkshood
Monk's-hood
Monk's-hood
Monk's-hood (Aconitum napellus) is an extremely toxic plant that is native to western and central Europe. It is deadly if ingested and its toxic properties can be absorbed through the skin, so the plant must never be handled without gloves. It has a long history of being used as a poison. In mid-summer, it produces dark purple-blue flowers.
Monkshood
Monkshood
Monkshood is a flowering plan that is highly toxic. Simple skin contact can initiate numbness. This plant is legendary and much folklore and tales of it date back to ancient BC. In fact, it has been dubbed the "Queen of poisons."
Columbian Monkshood
Columbian Monkshood
Named for its hooded flowers, the columbian Monkshood’s sepals resemble a monk’s cowl. This member of the buttercup family is considered poisonous. It grows in moist, wet areas such as meadows and forests.
Wholesome wolfs bane
Wholesome wolfs bane
The poison monkshoot grows as a perennial herbaceous plant and reaches stature heights of 25 to 150 centimeters. The stiff upright stems are bluish-green and hairy. The hand-shaped divided stem leaves are five to seven parts to the bottom, the sections are two to three times fiederteilig and narrow linear, 1 to 2 millimeters wide Zipfel have.
Variegated monk's-hood
Variegated monk's-hood
Variegated monk's-hood has been reported as highly toxic to humans and animals, including livestock. Variegated monk's-hood is a perennial herbaceous plant featured in European mythology. The patches or streaks of colors on its petals resemble the cowl of a monk, hence its common name.
Climbing monk's-hood
Climbing monk's-hood
Climbing monk's-hood is a scrambling plant that is often used as an ornamental feature in cottage gardens, beds, borders, and underneath roses and shrubs. This plant loves soil with good drainage. Its Latin name Aconitum hemsleyanum comes from the ancient Greek word akoniton, which is used for poisonous plants, and hemsleyanum, which honors the English botanist William Hemsley.
Monkshood
Monkshood
Monkshood is found in forests and on slopes. While the plant requires the activity of pollinators to ensure reproduction, the pollen of this species is deliberately toxic so that insects do not eat too much. The male flowers compensate for this deterrent by producing extra nectar.
Chinese aconite
Chinese aconite
Chinese aconite is an award-winning flowering garden plant. Its flowers are similar to other species in the genus except for its late blooming time, which provides nectar for bees after other plants are no longer flowering. It is important to note that all parts of plants are poisonous and should always be kept away from young children.
Aconitum jaluense
Aconitum jaluense
Aconitum jaluense is a genus of over 250 species. These herbaceous perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The dark green leaves of aconitum jaluense species lack stipules. They are palmate or deeply palmately lobed with five to seven segments. Each segment again is trilobed with coarse sharp teeth. The leaves have a spiral (alternate) arrangement. The tall, erect stem is crowned by racemes of large blue, purple, white, yellow, or pink zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens. Two to 10 petals are present. The fruit is an aggregate of follicles, a follicle being a dry, many-seeded structure.
Aconitum henryi
Aconitum henryi
Aconitum henryi boasts striking helmet-shaped flowers, tinged with a unique blend of deep blue and purple hues, suggestive of its nickname 'Monkshood'. This hardy perennial thrives in the dappled light of woodland environments, its tall spires reaching for the sun amidst the undergrowth. Its foliage, deeply lobed, adds a lush, textured green backdrop to the vivid floral display. Caution is advised, as all parts of aconitum henryi are highly toxic.
Aconitum barbatum
Aconitum barbatum
Aconitum barbatum is a genus of over 250 species. These herbaceous perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The dark green leaves of aconitum barbatum species lack stipules. They are palmate or deeply palmately lobed with five to seven segments. Each segment again is trilobed with coarse sharp teeth. The leaves have a spiral (alternate) arrangement. The tall, erect stem is crowned by racemes of large blue, purple, white, yellow, or pink zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens. Two to 10 petals are present. The fruit is an aggregate of follicles, a follicle being a dry, many-seeded structure.
Aconitum kusnezoffii
Aconitum kusnezoffii
Aconitum kusnezoffii is a tall, herbaceous perennial with deeply lobed leaves and striking hooded flowers, typically blue or purple. Thriving in moist, shaded environments, its robust stature allows it to stand out in its natural woodland settings. However, its beauty belies a deadly nature, as every part of the plant contains potent toxins that can be harmful if ingested.
Korean monk's hood
Korean monk's hood
Korean monk's hood is a perennial herb notable for its helmet-shaped blue or purple flowers that bloom mid-summer to early fall. This species typically thrives in cool, moist mountainous areas, reaching up to 1 meter in height. Its leaves are palmately divided, enhancing korean monk's hood's elegant structure. While beautiful, korean monk's hood contains potent alkaloids, making it highly toxic if ingested.
Aconitum vilmorinianum
Aconitum vilmorinianum
Aconitum vilmorinianum is a genus of over 250 species. These herbaceous perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The dark green leaves of aconitum vilmorinianum species lack stipules. They are palmate or deeply palmately lobed with five to seven segments. Each segment again is trilobed with coarse sharp teeth. The leaves have a spiral (alternate) arrangement. The tall, erect stem is crowned by racemes of large blue, purple, white, yellow, or pink zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens. Two to 10 petals are present. The fruit is an aggregate of follicles, a follicle being a dry, many-seeded structure.
Aconitum × cammarum 'Bressingham Spire’
Aconitum × cammarum 'Bressingham Spire’
Aconitum × cammarum 'Bressingham Spire’ is an eye-catching hybrid perennial that boasts striking, tall spires of deep blue to violet flowers. Its hood-like blossoms rise above the deeply divided, glossy green foliage in mid to late summer, inviting a buzz of pollinators. Preferring cool, moist environments, aconitum × cammarum 'Bressingham Spire’ thrives in partial shade, adding a vertical accent to woodland gardens or borders.
Lamarck's wolfsbane
Lamarck's wolfsbane
Aconitum lamarckii is a herbaceous plant species of the genus Aconitum in the family Ranunculaceae. It blooms early-late summer with yellow flowers produced on tall, thin, somewhat lax stems. It is native from Europe and sometimes cultivated in gardens in temperate zones for its showy flowers.
Chinese aconite 'Kelmscott'
Chinese aconite 'Kelmscott'
Chinese aconite 'Kelmscott' is a tall cultivar of Chinese aconite. It can grow to 1.8 m, while other Chinese aconite plants grow only to 1.2 m . It produces blue flowers in the fall. Chinese aconite 'Kelmscott' is believed to have been named for Kelmscott Manor in southern England.
Wolf's-bane
Wolf's-bane
Wolf's-bane is known for its striking hooded blue or yellow flowers resembling a monk's cowl. This hardy perennial thrives in moist, shaded environments, often found in mountainous areas. Its tall, erect stems can reach up to 1.2 meters, hosting deeply divided, dark green leaves that create a lush backdrop for the toxic blooms.
Chinese aconite 'Arendsii'
Chinese aconite 'Arendsii'
Chinese aconite 'Arendsii' is a beautiful perennial with purple-blue flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall. Chinese aconite 'Arendsii' thrives in moist, well-drained soils and is highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested.
Aconitum scaposum
Aconitum scaposum
Aconitum scaposum is a genus of over 250 species. These herbaceous perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The dark green leaves of aconitum scaposum species lack stipules. They are palmate or deeply palmately lobed with five to seven segments. Each segment again is trilobed with coarse sharp teeth. The leaves have a spiral (alternate) arrangement. The tall, erect stem is crowned by racemes of large blue, purple, white, yellow, or pink zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens. Two to 10 petals are present. The fruit is an aggregate of follicles, a follicle being a dry, many-seeded structure.
Japanese monkshood
Japanese monkshood
Japanese monkshood is a genus of over 250 species. These herbaceous perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The dark green leaves of japanese monkshood species lack stipules. They are palmate or deeply palmately lobed with five to seven segments. Each segment again is trilobed with coarse sharp teeth. The leaves have a spiral (alternate) arrangement. The tall, erect stem is crowned by racemes of large blue, purple, white, yellow, or pink zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens. Two to 10 petals are present. The fruit is an aggregate of follicles, a follicle being a dry, many-seeded structure.
Monkshood 'Spark's Variety'
Monkshood 'Spark's Variety'
Monkshood 'Spark's Variety' is an upright monkshood cultivar that is much taller than its relatives. While other Aconitum x henryi cultivars usually reach a maximum height of 1.5 m, monkshood 'Spark's Variety' can reach 4 m! Furthermore, it is a much darker color than other cultivars, blooming in an exquisite dark violet.
Aconitum × cammarum 'Bicolor'
Aconitum × cammarum 'Bicolor'
This white Aconitum cultivar is set apart by its color variation with blue edges. The aconitum × cammarum 'Bicolor' is aptly named for its two tones. Gardeners who would like a low-maintenance substitute for delphinium will find the aconitum × cammarum 'Bicolor' a great alternative in late summer gardens.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Monkshood
Aconitum
Also known as: Mousebane, Leopard's bane, Wolf's-bane, Blue rocket
Monkshood is a genus of over 250 species. These herbaceous perennial plants are chiefly native to the mountainous parts of the Northern Hemisphere. The dark green leaves of monkshood species lack stipules. They are palmate or deeply palmately lobed with five to seven segments. Each segment again is trilobed with coarse sharp teeth. The leaves have a spiral (alternate) arrangement. The tall, erect stem is crowned by racemes of large blue, purple, white, yellow, or pink zygomorphic flowers with numerous stamens. Two to 10 petals are present. The fruit is an aggregate of follicles, a follicle being a dry, many-seeded structure.
Lifespan
Perennial
Key Facts About Monkshood
Feedback
Attributes of Monkshood
Plant Height
91 cm to 1.2 m
Spread
30 cm to 45 cm
Leaf type
Deciduous
Scientific Classification of Monkshood
Distribution of Monkshood
Feedback
Distribution Map of Monkshood
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Monkshood
Feedback
The monkshood genus, commonly referred to as monkshood or wolfsbane, boasts beautiful blooms and requires moderate care. Basic care includes light shade to full sun exposure, regular watering, well-draining, rich soil and cool temperatures. Common challenges include susceptibility to powdery mildew, leaf spot diseases, slugs, and snails, along with sensitivity to extreme temperatures. Seasonal considerations involve late winter pruning, cautious summer watering and autumn planting for most species in the genus. As a potentially toxic plant, ensure safety in placement away from pets and children.
Exploring the Monkshood Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Monk's-hood
Monk's-hood (Aconitum napellus) is an extremely toxic plant that is native to western and central Europe. It is deadly if ingested and its toxic properties can be absorbed through the skin, so the plant must never be handled without gloves. It has a long history of being used as a poison. In mid-summer, it produces dark purple-blue flowers.
Monkshood
Monkshood is a flowering plan that is highly toxic. Simple skin contact can initiate numbness. This plant is legendary and much folklore and tales of it date back to ancient BC. In fact, it has been dubbed the "Queen of poisons."
Columbian Monkshood
Named for its hooded flowers, the columbian Monkshood’s sepals resemble a monk’s cowl. This member of the buttercup family is considered poisonous. It grows in moist, wet areas such as meadows and forests.
Wholesome wolfs bane
The poison monkshoot grows as a perennial herbaceous plant and reaches stature heights of 25 to 150 centimeters. The stiff upright stems are bluish-green and hairy. The hand-shaped divided stem leaves are five to seven parts to the bottom, the sections are two to three times fiederteilig and narrow linear, 1 to 2 millimeters wide Zipfel have.
Show More Species
All Species of Monkshood
Monk's-hood
Monkshood
Columbian Monkshood
Wholesome wolfs bane
Variegated monk's-hood
Climbing monk's-hood
Monkshood
Chinese aconite
Aconitum jaluense
Aconitum henryi
Aconitum barbatum
Aconitum kusnezoffii
Korean monk's hood
Aconitum vilmorinianum
Aconitum × cammarum 'Bressingham Spire’
Lamarck's wolfsbane
Chinese aconite 'Kelmscott'
Wolf's-bane
Chinese aconite 'Arendsii'
Aconitum scaposum
Japanese monkshood
Monkshood 'Spark's Variety'
Aconitum × cammarum 'Bicolor'
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
