Position

Sun exposure:
Dappled shade, full sun, partial shade
Aspect:
East facing, west facing
Position in border:
Middle
Shade type:
Damp

Soil

Prefers rich soil:
Acidic / Clay / Heavy / Moist / Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Aconitum napellus – also known as monkshood, wolfsbane and aconite – is plant steeped in lore because of the toxin, aconitine, it contains. It's a beautiful herbaceous perennial with finely divided leaves similar to those of delphiniums, to which it's related. It bears deep purple-blue flowers held on spires a metre or so in height and enjoys growing in cool, moist soil. It usually flowers in June and July.

For best results, grow Aconitum napellus in full sun or partial shade, in moist, well-drained soil. Light soils should be improved with lots of well-rotted organic matter before planting.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyesyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyes
Flowersyesyes
Divideyesyesyes

Aconitum and wildlife

Aconitum is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.

Is known to attract Bees
Bees
Is not known to attract Beneficial insects
Beneficial insects
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Butterflies/​Moths
Butterflies/​Moths
Is not known to attract Other pollinators
Other pollinators

Is Aconitum poisonous?

Aconitum causes an upset stomach, irritates skin, is harmful if ingested and toxins are absorbed by the skin. Its foliage, fruit, pollen, roots, sap, seed capsules and seeds are toxic.

Toxic to:
Is known to attract Cats
Cats
Is known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is known to attract Horses
Horses
Is known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is known to attract People
People
No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Plants that go well with Aconitum napellus
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