Monk's-Hood (Aconitum napellus)

Aconitum napellus, or Monkshood, is a highly toxic herbaceous perennial. It has striking deep blue-purple, helmet-shaped flowers in summer, thriving in partial shade and

Above information is sourced from Wikipedia

Sunlight

Prefers partial shade; tolerates full sun in cooler climates.

Watering

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Soil

Rich, humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral

Temperature

Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures, hardy in zones 3-7.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring or compost annually.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers partial shade; tolerates full sun in cooler climates.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Soil

Rich, humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral

Temperature

Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures, hardy in zones 3-7.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring or compost annually.

Plant Overview

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Category

Ornamental

Plant Place Type

Ground, Garden

Plant Environment

Outdoor

Lifespan

Perennials

Plant Height

0.6-1.5 m

Spread

0.3-0.6 m

Growth Rate

Medium

Dormancy

Winter

Leaf Color

Dark green

Leaf Type

Palmate

Flower Size

2-4 cm

Optimal Sunlight Lux

1500

Image Gallery

Flowering & Fruiting Cycles

Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.

Northern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AugPeak fruit · Sep

FloweringFruiting

Southern hemisphere

Flowering & fruiting calendar

Peak bloom · AprPeak fruit · Mar

FloweringFruiting

Synonyms

Delphinium napellus (L.) Baill.

Napellus vulgaris Fourr.

Taxonomy

kingdomPlantae
divisionTracheophyta
classMagnoliopsida
orderRanunculales
familyRanunculaceae
genusAconitum
speciesAconitum napellus

Toxicity

Toxic for humans

Yes

Rating: 10/5

Toxic for pets

Yes

Rating: 10/5

Edible

All parts of Aconitum napellus are highly toxic, containing potent neurotoxins, primarily aconitine. Ingestion can be fatal to humans and animals, causing cardiac and respiratory paralysis. Skin contact can also cause numbness and tingling.

Additional Care Tips

Monkshood requires consistently moist soil, especially during dry periods and flowering. Water deeply when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry, but avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Good drainage is crucial for healthy growth.

Deadhead spent flower spikes to encourage further blooming and prevent unwanted self-seeding. In late autumn or early spring, cut back the entire plant to ground level once the foliage has died back naturally. This helps maintain vigor and tidiness.

Monkshood can be propagated by division in early spring or autumn, carefully separating clumps with a sharp spade. It can also be grown from seed, though germination can be slow and erratic, often requiring a period of cold stratification. Handle all parts with gloves due to toxicity.

As a perennial typically grown in the ground, repotting is not usually applicable. If grown in a container, repot every 2-3 years in early spring into a slightly larger pot with fresh, rich potting mix. Ensure the new pot has excellent drainage.

FAQs

Is Monkshood safe to touch?

No, all parts of Monkshood are highly toxic. Skin contact with sap can cause numbness, tingling, and irritation, so it is advisable to wear gloves when handling the plant.

What are the signs of Monkshood poisoning?

Symptoms of Monkshood poisoning can include numbness and tingling, burning sensation in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmias, and respiratory paralysis, which can be fatal.

How do I care for Monkshood in my garden?

Monkshood thrives in partial shade and consistently moist, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Provide a balanced fertilizer in spring, deadhead spent flowers, and cut back foliage to the ground in late autumn or early spring.

When does Monkshood bloom?

Monkshood typically blooms in mid to late summer, usually from June through August, producing its characteristic deep blue-purple, helmet-shaped flowers.

Can Monkshood be grown in pots?

While Monkshood prefers to be grown in the ground, it can be cultivated in large pots with good drainage. Ensure the container is spacious enough for its root system and provide consistent moisture and rich potting mix.

Care Requirements

Light

Prefers partial shade; tolerates full sun in cooler climates.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Soil

Rich, humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral

Temperature

Thrives in cool to moderate temperatures, hardy in zones 3-7.

Habitat

Outdoor

Fertilizer

Light feeding with balanced fertilizer in spring or compost annually.

Additional Care Tips

FAQs