Due to its severe toxicity, monkshood was used as poison for arrow tips by the Romans and Greeks during ancient times.
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Aconitum napellus goes by many different names, and each one of them has its own history with this notorious plant: People often ask, “What is the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?” In the UK, it is a rare and declining plant.
Where does wolfsbane grow full#
It grows in mountain meadows throughout the northern hemisphere between 1000 – 3000 m above sea level and can handle both full sun and afternoon shade. It has also been introduced into Australia. Monkshood is native to Western and Central Europe (Britain and Northern Europe), North America (Canada and the United States), Northern Asia (Siberia), Japan, Korea, Scandinavia (Sweden) and New Zealand. It is vital to note that there are several types of monkshood aconitum plants with different toxicity levels which could lead to accidental death if the wrong type is handled or ingested. Its flowers are arranged in a whorl of three, with the sepals and petals spreading in opposite directions at ground level, the stamens butting up against the circle of petals.įinally, monkshood can look very similar to several non-toxic plants such as foxglove, making identification important. Sometimes instead of blue, you may come across white or yellow flowers instead. IdentificationĪconitum napellus (monkshood) is of a small size, with dark green leaves and deep blue flowers at the top of each long and erect stem. It is one of the most poisonous plants in the world, and is a potent neurotoxin that can be fatal if ingested. It is also known as wolfsbane, old wives hood, soldiers helmet, dogs bane, devils hood, devils helmet, blue rocket, mousebane, queen of poisons, and aconite. It is native to Europe and North America introduced to Australia, New Zealand and parts of East Asia, where it is considered invasive because it has displaced native plants. Game of Throners will probably recognise the way King Joffrey died after drinking from a poisoned chalice.Common monkshood is a perennial herb belonging to the genus aconitum and family Ranunculaceae. It was also often used in potions to kill off rivals containing chemical alkaloids like aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine and jesaconitine which are all highly toxic. However it has such an unpleasant taste that cases of accidental poisoning are extremely rare, though not unknown.Īcontium napellus extract was used on spears and arrows for hunting and battle in ancient times as it contains a variety of poisons that have cardiac effects. Other Species: Closely related to the Delphinium, to which it bears some resemblance.Ī popular cultivar is Aconitum × cammarum, Acontium persicaria and Acontium lycotonum which is cream coloured.Ĭomments: This popular plant is one of the most poisonous in common cultivation. Propagate by division once established, which can take a few years.
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They can require some support when at full height.Ĭut back stems after flowering to promote further growth later in the season. Maintenance: Ensure soils do not dry out, without allowing them to become waterlogged.
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Soil: Moist and rich soils with plenty of organic matter added.Ĭhoose a sunny location with a little shade throughout the day - more in hotter climates, less in cooler climates. Also avoid planting close to where children play or directly alongside vegetables or herbs.
Where does wolfsbane grow skin#
wear gloves when working with this plant, avoid skin contact or contact with open wounds. They make excellent cut flowers and are also good for drying too. They go well in informal garden settings and especially well around water features being native to moist pastures and mountain areas. On a tall central spike appear terminal racemes of deep blue to purple, narrow, helmet-shaped flowers that stand proud and make a lovely splash of contrasting colour in the middle of deep, mixed borders.Īlthough generally known for its distinctive electric blue colour, other cultivars have emerged that are white and rosy-pink.
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Aconitum napellus or Monk's-hood is a tuberous rooted, herbaceous perennial with rounded leaves that are palmately divided in to 5-7 segments.