Monk's-hood - Aconitum napellus

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Monk's-hood - Aconitum napellus
© Dr Chris Gibson/English Nature

Monkshood is a tall herbaceous plant of open woods, stream banks and roadsides, possibly native in parts of south-west England but widely naturalised as a garden escape. Monk's-hood makes a magnificent garden plant. Its dark green foliage is finely divided and appears in early spring. The tall spikes of hooded, blue, spurred flowers that give this plant its name do not arise until the end of June or later still, when they are visited by bumble bees.

Monk's-hood will grow in sun or partial shade in any fertile soil. Care is needed, however, as all parts of the plant are very poisonous and contact with the foliage may cause skin irritation in some people. It is also called wolf-bane, perhaps because medieval hunters used it as a poison.

Animals

Buff-tailed bumble bee, Golden plusia moth, Red-tailed bumble bee, White-tailed bumble bee

Foliage	Green
Flower	Purple, June to September
Moisture	(Average)
Sunlight	(Part-shade)
Origin	Native