Monkshood

Aconitum napellus

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Seeds, Stems

Preparation

Not applicable; this is an ornamental plant.

Hazard type

Every part is poisonous. Eating it can cause burning of the lips and mouth, numbness of the throat, heavy vomiting and diarrhea, muscle weakness, a weak pulse, paralysis of breathing and convulsions, and NC State says it may be fatal to people and pets. The toxic principle named is aconitine and related alkaloids.

Hazard route

ingestion; NC State advises gloves when handling it

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Pet verdict: toxic. NC State's Aconitum genus page is tagged Problem for Cats and Problem for Dogs, with poison text reading "may be fatal to humans and pets." ASPCA has no Aconitum page.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Aconitum napellus, not on the common name.. Winter aconite (Eranthis) is a different genus; the names aconite and wolfsbane both refer to Aconitum here.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA zones 3 to 8 (Illinois Extension, Aconitum napellus); NC State lists zones 3 to 7 for the genus.
Light: Illinois: full sun with afternoon shade (its summary box says partial sun/shade). NC State: full sun to partial shade; needs afternoon sun protection in the southern part of its range.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 3 to 4 feet tall (Illinois Extension); NC State gives 3 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide for the genus.
Family: Ranunculaceae (NC State Extension; University of Arkansas)

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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