Common Monkshood (Aconitum napellus)
[ak-on-EYE-tum nay-PEL-luss]
Deciduous Perennial Upright in the Ranunculaceae Family
Buy Common Monkshood
Size
Notes
Price
Availability
The true wild species monkshood — deep blue-purple, hooded flowers on upright spikes from midsummer into fall. A striking architectural perennial for shady borders, but extremely toxic in all parts; handle only with gloves.
Aconitum napellus—monkshood—brings drama few perennials can match. Its tall spires of deep blue, hooded flowers light up shady borders in late summer when many gardens fade, offering a rare vertical accent and refined woodland elegance. Gardeners value its adaptability to cool, moist sites and its ability to thrive in partial shade, complementing hostas and ferns beautifully. Yes, it demands respect—but so do many prized plants. With clear labeling, gloves, and thoughtful placement away from high-traffic areas, monkshood becomes a conversation piece: a plant that blends horticultural beauty, history, and a hint of theatrical intrigue.
All plant parts can be toxic and should be considered poisonous. Wear gloves when handling.
Pros
Tall, dramatic spikes of deep blue-purple, hood-shaped flowers from July into August
A magnet for bees and butterflies; deer- and rabbit-resistant
Thrives in the cool, moist, partly shaded spots where many perennials struggle
The true wild species behind many garden Aconitum hybrids
Cons
All parts are highly toxic if ingested and can irritate skin on contact — always wear gloves
Taller stems may need staking in exposed or windy spots
Slow to establish and resents being disturbed once planted
Why Like
In its native range across western and central Europe — from the Alps and Pyrenees to the Balkans, Corsica, and southwestern Britain — Aconitum napellus is an important nectar source for bumblebees, which are strong enough to force open its hooded flowers; it's described as a primary late-season forage plant for native European bees. It carries a long history in folklore and medicine: its old common name "wolfsbane" comes from its historical use as an arrow poison and predator bait, and it has been used cautiously in traditional herbal medicine despite being considered the most toxic plant native to Europe. Growing the true wild species, rather than a garden hybrid, connects a border planting directly to that long natural and cultural history.
Highlights
A true wild species of monkshood, prized for its tall spires of deep blue-purple hooded flowers in mid-to-late summer and its rich, dark green foliage — but among the most toxic plants grown in gardens, so handle with care.
Plant Data
Mature Size
24 - 48 inches
tall. 12 - 18 inches
wide.
Growth Rate
Medium
Sun Exposure
Partial Shade - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance
Medium : Needs consistently moist, well-drained soil; does not tolerate standing water or drought — good drainage matters as much as moisture.
We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!
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.
Estimated Recipe Cost
The cost of this recipe's ingredients will vary depending on the season and the sizes and varieties you select.
Benefits of Membership
Want a better way to get great plants and make your yard look awesome? Create your account below and get:
The best plants… from the same sources the pros use, but at near wholesale prices
More plants in more sizes than anywhere else… whether you’re looking for classics or rarities; annuals, perennials or shrubs; one plant or a whole yardful!
"No Contact" delivery or easy pick-up at a site near you without fighting the retail crowds. You choose!
Membership is free, but — since we rely on delivery and local pick-up — you have to live near one of our hubs (or be willing to drive to a site to pick them up). If you live farther away, and would like to help us bring the club to your neighbors, please email helpusgrow@northshoreplantclub.com.
Already a member?
Login
About Ordering From The Plant Club
To secure the best prices for club members and make sure we know the current plants available from each nursery, we take orders only a couple of times a month.
Shoot us an email at help@northshoreplantclub.com, and we'll be happy to talk about plants or let you know when it's time to buy them!
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!
North Shore Plant Club
White Monkshood