Scientific name: Aconitum napellus
Family: RANUNCULACEAE
Common names: “Monkshood” “wolfsbane” “Adam and Eve” “bear’s foot” “common aconite” “common monk’s cowl” “Cupid’s cap” “flapdock” “grandmother’s nightcap” “friar’s cap” “Helen’s flower” “helmet flower”
Plant Type: Herbaceous tuberous perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 3-8
Light: Partial shade, tolerates more sun with good moisure
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Organically fertile acidic soils, enjoys clay!
Moisture: Evenly moist well drained, cannot dry out
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 2-4′ W 1-2′
Leaf and Stem shape: Deeply divided, dark green leaves
Flower: Tall spires of violet-blue, hooded flowers in summer
Maintenance: Low, may require staking, can be left alone, cut back in late autumn
Landscape use: Tree underplantings, flower borders, cottage garden,
Propagate: By division
Pests & Disease: Generally healthy
*Deer resistant?
Attracts beneficial insects
Comments: Poisonous leaves and roots, very toxic if eaten, wear proper gloves when handling this plant
Cultivars: Several ~AGM winners: A. ‘Spark’s Variety’ , A. ‘Stainless Steel’ , A. ‘Bressingham Spire’ , A. carmichaelii ‘Kelmscott’ , A. carmichaelii ‘Arendsii’ , A. x cammarum ‘Bicolor’
