Aconitum napellus aka Monkshood
Taxonomy
Aconitum napellus, commonly known as monkshood, aconite, Venus' chariot, or wolfsbane, is a highly toxic flowering plant native to western and central Europe. It belongs to the genus Aconitum in the Ranunculaceae family. This herbaceous perennial can reach a height of 1 meter (3 ft 3 in) and has hairless stems and leaves. The rounded leaves are palmately divided into five to seven deeply lobed segments, measuring 5-10 cm (2.0-3.9 in) in diameter. The dark purple to bluish-purple flowers are narrow, oblong, and helmet-shaped, standing 1-2 cm (0.39-0.79 in) tall. While bumblebees, particularly long-tongued species, may visit the flowers without being affected by the toxins, it is important to note that A. napellus is extremely poisonous through ingestion or body contact. Despite its toxic nature, it is appreciated for its beauty, with racemes of hooded white flowers appearing in summer, usually attracting bumblebees. This lore-filled plant, also known as wolfsbane and aconite, contains the toxin aconitine and is related to delphiniums. It thrives in cool, moist soil and typically blooms in June and July.
Common names
Monkshood, Wolfsbane, Turk's CapHow to care for Monkshood
Difficulty
Monkshood requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.
Water
Monkshood should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Its needs are relatively simple, but one of the most important is making sure its soil is adequately moist. Without proper moisture, the plant can suffer from wilting and stunted growth. To ensure your Monkshood is healthy, you must choose a potting soil that retains moisture.
Look for a soil with good drainage to prevent root rot, but also make sure it contains plenty of organic matter. Coco coir and sphagnum moss are both excellent ingredients for retaining moisture and providing the #self.names with the nutrients it needs to thrive. If you can find a soil that has a combination of these ingredients, your #self.names will thank you with beautiful blooms.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Monkshood prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.
Fertilizer
The growth of Monkshood is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.
Region of origin
Monkshood’s native range is Most of Europe, including Britain, east to N. W. Asia and the Himalayas.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Aconitum Genus
Aconitum delphinifolium Larkspurleaf Monkshood
Aconitum lycoctonum vulparia Wolfsbane
Aconitum koreanum
Aconitum variegatum European Monkshood
Aconitum fischeri Fischer Monkshood
Aconitum volubile Monkshood
Aconitum hemsleyanum
