Common Name(s): Aconite, Blue rocket, Devil's helmet, Helmet Flower, Leopard's bane, Monkshood, Queen of poisons, Wolfsbane, Woman's bane
Phonetic Spelling ah-kon-EE-tum
This plant has high severity poison characteristics. Brushing against the plant or even accidental ingestion of a small amount of leaf tissue is not going to be fatal. As with any poison, the dose administered is what causes the problem. Not planting any potentially poisonous plant with easy to confuse tubers in the vegetable garden is a common-sense precaution. And, obviously, don’t assume anything green is good to add to a salad. 

This is a genus of over 250 species of herbaceous perennials, five native to North America, of which most are extremely poisonous. They are mostly found in mountainous areas of the northern hemisphere in moist but well-drained soils in forests, natural areas, moist woods and sitting along creek banks. These plants will grow better in cool summer areas.

The plants generally have lobed to deeply lobed leaves with toothed margins and clusters of flowers with the characteristic upper hood giving it the common name of Monk's Hood and Helmet Flower. The showy flowers appear in summer and range in color from blues, purples to white.

Plant in humus-rich moist soil that drains well. Monkshood is not especially happy in the South, in the southern portion of its range, it prefers afternoon sun. Use in groups, borders or naturalized areas. After flowering, cut the plants back to promote re-blooming. 

Although used in the landscape, Monkshood is poisonous, with a narcotic juice present in the leaves and roots. Do not plant near the vegetable garden, where its fleshy roots could be mistaken for Jerusalem artichokes. Wearing gloves is advisable when handling this plant.

Insect, Disease and Other Plant Problems: Crown rot, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt can affect this plant.

Genus: Aconitum
Family: Ranunculaceae
Perennial
Recommended Propagation: Division
Dimensions:
Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in.
Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Herbaceous Perennial
Poisonous
Deciduous
Habit/Form: Erect
Growth Rate: Slow
Maintenance: Medium
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil Texture: High Organic Matter
Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Alkaline (>8.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist
Space To Plant: 12 inches-3 feet
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b

Flower Color: Blue, Purple/Lavender, White
Flower Inflorescence: Raceme
Good Cut
Showy
Flower Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Shape: Lipped
Flower Petals: 2-3 rays/petals, 7 - 20 petals/rays
Flower Description: Raceme's of blooms up to 8" long in colors that range from blue, violet, white or blue-purple. The upper part (sepals and petals) is hood or helmet-like in appearance. Thus the common names of Monkshood and Helmet Flower. They have 2-10 petals.

Leaf Description: The dark green leaves are divided into 3-5 lobes, which are toothed. They are arranged in a spiral alternate manner.
Stem Is Aromatic
Stem Description: Stiff, erect, unbranched, leafy stems. Taller stems may need to be staked.
Meadow, Naturalized Area, Pond, Slope/Bank, Woodland
Cottage Garden, Cutting Garden, Rain Garden, Water Garden, Accent, Border, Mass Planting, Small groups
Resistance To Deer and Rabbits
Poisonous to Humans