Photo: Jacek PietruszewskiCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Monkshood Plant Care
Aconitum napellus L.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Aconitum napellus, monkshood, aconite, Venus' chariot or wolfsbane, is a species of highly toxic flowering plants in the genus Aconitum of the family Ranunculaceae, native and endemic to western and central Europe. A perennial plant, it is herbaceous and grows to 1 m tall, with hairless stems and leaves.
Every 7–10 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Monkshood?
Water Monkshood 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. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Monkshood Native To?
What Is the Monkshood?
Monkshood (Aconitum napellus) belongs to the Ranunculaceae family within the Aconitum genus. Monkshood is native to Asia and North America formerly listed as A. Monkshood is also known as Wolfsbane, Blue Monkshood, Garden Monkshood.
Monkshood displays an upright, clump-forming perennial growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Monkshood produces tall spikes of hooded, helmet-shaped flowers in various colors.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Monkshood?
Aconitum napellus 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 Monkshood Need?
Monkshood thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Monkshood 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 Monkshood Prefer?
Aconitum napellus grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. Monkshood prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Monkshood?
Moist, well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Monkshood to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Monkshood?
Feed Monkshood 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 Monkshood?
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 Monkshood?
Monkshood can be propagated through division, seeds.
Is the Monkshood Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list. View the ASPCA entry
Toxic if ingested, can cause skin irritation
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 Monkshood?
Monkshood 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 Monkshood Need?
Monkshood grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Monkshood is native to Asia and North America formerly listed as A.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
Monkshood 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.
Monkshood copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Aconitum napellus L., family Ranunculaceae (first published in Sp. Pl. : 532 (1753)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Monkshood as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: Jacek Pietruszewski, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Monkshood Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species