Fischer's Monkshood (Aconitum fischeri)
ak-on-EYE-tum fischeri

Deciduous Perennial Upright in the Ranunculaceae Family
A true wild species monkshood with upright spikes of deep blue-purple, helmet-shaped flowers in late summer — earlier than most Aconitum. Deer- and rabbit-resistant. All parts are highly toxic; handle with gloves.

All plant parts can be toxic and should be considered poisonous. Wear gloves when handling.

A welcome plant in the perennial border, Aconitum fischeri sends up striking upright spikes of lavender-blue to deep blue-purple flowers from late summer into early fall, earlier than the related A. carmichaelii, when few other blue flowers are in bloom. Each individual flower is shaped like a little helmet or hood, thus the common name Monkshood.

This is a true wild species, native to forests and hillsides in northeastern China, Korea, and the Russian Far East — not a named cultivar, and distinct from (though sometimes confused in the trade with) A. carmichaelii.

Pros

  • Late-summer flowers earlier than most other monkshoods, extending the season of blue-purple bloom
  • Sturdy, self-supporting stems that rarely need staking
  • Attractive, deeply divided dark green foliage all season
  • Deer- and rabbit-resistant, and attractive to late-season pollinators

Cons

  • All parts are highly toxic if ingested — even skin contact has been reported to cause numbness in some people; always wear gloves
  • Slow to establish and resents transplanting once sited
  • Needs consistently moist, cool soil and can develop crown rot or mildew if kept too wet
Why Like In its native range across northeastern China, Korea, and the Russian Far East, Fischer's monkshood is an important late-season nectar source for bumblebees, which are strong enough to force open its hooded flowers, a trait shared across the genus. Its striking blue-purple color and tall, architectural flower spikes stand out in a naturalistic or woodland-edge planting at a time of year when few other blue-flowered perennials are still blooming. The genus's long history in traditional medicine — and its equally long history as a source of poison — has made it a plant of real cultural as well as ornamental interest for centuries.
Highlights A true wild species monkshood valued for its early, deep blue-purple late-summer flowers, sturdy unstaked stems, and handsome dark green foliage — but highly toxic in all parts, so handle with care.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 18 - 24 inches tall. 12 - 18 inches wide.
Growth Rate Medium
Sun Exposure Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Medium : Needs consistently moist, cool soil and does not tolerate drought; tolerates moist conditions well but not soggy or waterlogged ground, which invites crown rot.
Zones 4a - 8b (Usually hardy to -30° F)
Tags Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Hummingbirds, Container, Deciduous, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Formal Garden, Fragrant Foliage, Full Sun, Good for Borders, Good for Butterfly Garden, Good for Cottage Garden, Good for Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance, Medium, Normal Soil, Partial Shade, Partial Sun, Perennial, Potentially Toxic, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Tolerant of Moist Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Bloom Period August to September
Flower Color Deep Blue-Purple
 

More Info from Experts

Commonly Planted with...

Astilbe, Ligularia, Rodgersia, ferns, and other moisture-loving perennials that share its preference for consistently moist, rich soil — the same companion pattern as the related Aconitum cultivars in this database.
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Pricing and Availability History

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Past Availability
2025 : 04/13 - 09/20
2024 : 05/01 - 09/21
2023 : 04/13 - 09/30

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Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!