Monkshood, Wolf's Bane
aconitum lycoctonum
Also known as: ["Monkshood","Wolf's Bane","Blue Rocket"]
Overview
A highly toxic perennial herbaceous plant with tall spikes of hooded blue or purple flowers, native to Europe and Asia.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Ranunculales |
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Genus: | Aconitum |
| Botanical Name: | Aconitum lycoctonum |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: garden bed with partial shade, protected from strong winds
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderately well-draining to well-draining.
- Soil Type: Rich, moist, well-draining soil with organic matter; avoid heavy clay.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: After flowering; annually in fall to tidy up.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on removing dead or spent parts.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full sun (4–6 hours of direct sunlight, especially morning sun); protection from harsh afternoon sun in hot climates.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sun; avoid sudden exposure to intense light; provide shade during peak summer heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full sun
Morning sun is ideal; use shade cloth if needed; rotate pots for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep root growth; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, fertile, well-draining loam
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; maintain consistent moisture.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures (60–75°F or 15–24°C); tolerates cold but prefers not to exceed 80°F (27°C) in summer.
Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from frost; ensure good air circulation in hot weather.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth with balanced liquid fertilizer
Fertilize sparingly; apply before active growth; water well after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Division or root cuttings; division is preferred for mature plants.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into sections with roots and shoots.
- Replant immediately.
- Water well.
- Root cuttings: cut sections, plant horizontally, cover lightly.
Best Time: Early spring or fall when the plant is dormant or just beginning growth.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with high humidity; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with added sand or perlite; can also be propagated in coarse sand or peat moss.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; rooting hormone can aid root cuttings.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; root cuttings: 4–8 weeks for roots to form, 1–2 years to mature.
Tools Needed
Sharp, sterile knife or spade, gloves, rooting hormone (optional), pots or garden space.
Quick Tips
Divide every 3–4 years to maintain vigor; take root cuttings in fall for best results.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Deadhead flowers by cutting stalks to the base; cut back foliage to ground level in fall.
Pruning Plan
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage reblooming; cut back foliage in fall after dieback.
Tools
Sharp pruners or scissors, gloves.
Checklist
Remove dead flowers; cut back foliage in fall; clean tools after use.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
One size larger pot; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant, trim roots if necessary, place in new pot with fresh soil, water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically needed for garden-grown plants; container-grown plants may need repotting every 2–3 years.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; water well after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting foliage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the day to minimize fungal issues; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during active growth, reducing frequency in winter dormancy; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture retention.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; avoid compacting soil.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or flower bud drop in extreme heat or cold.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, may cause leaf discoloration, and can lead to root damage if temperatures drop below freezing without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily in fall; protect from frost with row covers; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot in cold, wet soil.
Hot Stress
Leaves may scorch, growth may slow, and flowering can be reduced in prolonged high heat.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to keep roots cool.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid late-season feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; discontinue in late summer to avoid late-season growth.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Highly ToxicAconitum lycoctonum is extremely toxic to cats due to its potent alkaloid content. Cats are highly sensitive to these compounds, which can cause rapid and severe poisoning affecting multiple organ systems.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Highly ToxicThe alkaloids in Aconitum lycoctonum are highly toxic to dogs, affecting their nervous and cardiovascular systems. Even small amounts can lead to severe poisoning and potentially fatal outcomes.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Highly ToxicAconitum lycoctonum contains potent alkaloids, primarily aconitine, which disrupts sodium channels in nerve and muscle cells, leading to severe neurological and cardiovascular effects. Ingestion can cause rapid systemic poisoning.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Aconitum lycoctonum safe to grow in a garden with children or pets?
A: No, all parts of the plant are highly toxic and should be grown with extreme caution away from children and pets.
Q: How should Aconitum lycoctonum be handled?
A: Wear gloves when handling, as the plant's toxins can be absorbed through the skin.
Q: What are the ideal growing conditions for Aconitum lycoctonum?
A: It thrives in partial shade, moist, well-drained soil, and cooler climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Ranunculaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full sun |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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