Wolfsbane Plant Care
Aconitum anthora L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aconitum anthora, variously known as anthora, yellow monkshood, or healing wolfsbane, is a yellow flowering plant species of the genus Aconitum in the family Ranunculaceae.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Wolfsbane?
Water Wolfsbane every 7–10 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
What Is the Wolfsbane?
Wolfsbane (Aconitum anthora) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Aconitum genus. Wolfsbane is also known as Antidote Monkshood.
Wolfsbane displays an upright, clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Wolfsbane produces tall spikes of hooded, helmet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Wolfsbane?
Aconitum anthora requires watering every 7–10 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Wolfsbane Need?
Wolfsbane thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Wolfsbane in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–1,000 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Wolfsbane Prefer?
Aconitum anthora grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Wolfsbane prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Wolfsbane?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Wolfsbane to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Wolfsbane?
Feed Wolfsbane every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Wolfsbane?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Wolfsbane?
Wolfsbane can be propagated through division, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to carmichael's monkshood plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Wolfsbane Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Wolfsbane?
Wolfsbane is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Wolfsbane Need?
Wolfsbane grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. In cooler regions, grow Wolfsbane as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 12a
Keep exploring plants
Wolfsbane is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Aconitum genus — compare its care with other Aconitum species on PlantoScan.
Aconitum is part of the Ranunculaceae plant family — browse all Ranunculaceae genera and species.
Wolfsbane copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
More Aconitum Species
Other Aconitum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aconitum anthora L., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 532 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Wolfsbane is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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