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Aconitum napellus

Aconitum napellus

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MonkshoodPerennial, DeciduousFamily: Ranunculaceae

Height: 1.2mSpread: 50cm
Hardy

Attractive to wildlife

Flower colour:

Blue

Purple

Foliage colour:

Green

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. Find out more in our grow guide for Aconitum.

Explore Aconitum napellus 'Newry blue', which has deep, indigo coloured flowers held closely together to form a denser spire than the uncultivated species.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecSowyesyesyesyesyes**yesPlantyesyesyesFlowersyes**yesDivideyesyesyes

Aconitum ‘Napellus’ and wildlife

Aconitum ‘Napellus’ 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 ‘Napellus’ poisonous?

Aconitum ‘Napellus’ 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