Fischer's Monkshood (Aconitum fischeri)
ak-on-EYE-tum fischeri
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Deciduous Perennial Upright in the Ranunculaceae Family
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Buy Fischer's Monkshood |
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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. |
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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.
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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
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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
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| 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. |
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Plant Data |
| Mature Size |
18 - 24 inches
tall. 12 - 18 inches
wide.
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| 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.
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| Zones |
4a - 8b
(Usually hardy to -30° F)
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| 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
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| Bloom Period |
August to September
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| Flower Color |
Deep Blue-Purple
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Most Popular Plants |
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More Info from Experts |
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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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North Shore Plant Club
