This is a genus of over 250 species of herbaceous perennials in the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) 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. Plant in humus-rich moist soil that drains well. In the southern portion of its range, it will need afternoon sun protection. After flowering, cut the plants back to promote re-blooming. Monkshood is poisonous, with a narcotic juice 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. 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 and white. These plants can be used in the perennial border, in a shady garden, woodland garden and along a stream or pond. Keep in mind they are toxic to pets. Insect, Disease and Other Plant Problems: Crown rot, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt can affect this plant.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
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
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 3 ft. 0 in. - 4 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Slow
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Erect
Texture
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Elliptical; Lanceolate; Palmatifid
Leaf margin
Lobed; Serrate
Leaf feel
Smooth
Leaf value
Showy
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
The dark green leaves are divided into 3-5 lobes, which are toothed. They are arranged in a spiral alternate manner.
Flower color
Blue; Purple/Lavender; White
Flower value
Good Cut; Showy
Flower form
Raceme
Flower shape
Lipped
Flower detail
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.
Bloom time
Summer
Fruit type
Aggregate; Follicle
Fruit detail
The fruit is an aggregate of follicles with many seeds
Stem detail
Stiff, erect, unbranched, leafy stems. Taller stems may need to be staked.
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
Mountainous ares of the northern hemisphere
Play value
Attractive Flowers
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Aggregate; Follicle
Uses (ethnobotany)
Has been used in Chinese herbal medicine. Poison -tipped arrows have been in the hunting of whales, bears and ibex.
Poisonous if ingested. May be fatal to humans and pets. Symptoms of burning of lips and mouth, numbness of throat; intense vomiting and diarrhea, muscular weakness and spasms, weak pulse, paralysis of the respiratory system, convulsions.