SafePlants

Southern Blue Monkshood (Aconitum uncinatum)

Considerations for Pets

• The entire plant is highly toxic.

Considerations for Children

• The entire plant is highly toxic.

Southern Blue Monkshood, scientifically known as Aconitum uncinatum, also goes by names like wild monkshood, aconite, wolf's bane, leopard's bane, mousebane, Devil's helmet, and blue rocket.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Aconitum uncinatum L.
• Common Names: Southern Blue Monkshood, Wild Monkshood, Monkshood.
• Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family).
• Rank: Subspecies - Aconitum uncinatum L. ssp. uncinatum.
• Synonyms: The text does not explicitly list synonyms for Aconitum uncinatum, but mentions other Aconitum species and related common names like "Trailing Wolfsbane (A. reclinatum)" and "Appalachian Blue Monkshood".

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the US and Canada.
• Found in moist woods, cove forests, rich woods and seepages.
• Uncommon in mountains and piedmont regions; rare on the coast.
• Specific locations mentioned include Union Co., Georgia and the Southern Appalachian region.

Ecological Role

• The southern blue monkshood is endangered or threatened in much of its native range. It is endangered in Maryland and considered highly state rare.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A herbaceous forb that is a non-woody perennial plant.
• Grows to a height of 2-5 feet.
• Blooms with blue, purple, violet, or white flowers. Flowers may be clustered.
• Prefers shade.
• Can develop like a shrub and has a climbing growth habit.

Quirky Facts

• One text excerpt mentions a fictional scenario where a character is under the influence of an "incredibly rare form of wolfsbane" (Southern Blue Monkshood), described as "fucking misnomer, it was green".
• Monkshood flowers have long been the subject of contemplation.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden: A community for sharing gardening tips and ideas.
• Wikimedia Commons: Source for images, including File:Aconitum uncinatum (southern blue monkshood) flower.jpg.
• Discover Life: Page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Aconitum uncinatum.
• Garden Guides: Provides plant information, identification, uses, and gardening advice for Southern Blue Monkshood.