PlantFiles: Aconite, Monkshood, Monk's Coule, Helmet Flower, Cat's Tail
Aconitum napellus

I love this plant. I have one that is now about 5 feet high and blooms in the fall. I also have one that blooms in the summer. I respect that they are very poisonness, so I handle with gloves carefully.

Mine are growing in full sun, in a dry part of the garden. Not as bushy as the one in pix said to be growing in Seward Alaska, sad to say, but a beautiful deep purple blue. Nice combined with Hot Lips chelone and Becky shasta daisies.

I love this plant. It grows under a maple tree where very little will survive, and it blooms so late in the year when most blooms are finished. The blooms are so fascinating, too!

I have read that it is hardy in zones 3-9. Also known as Wolfbane.

Monkshood adds a nice blue color to a fall shade garden.

When handling monkshood, take care to keep plant away from open wounds and be certain to wash hands thoroughly. Wash immediately after cutting back this plant. A second flowering can be encouraged by deadheading to a lateral bud, but second flowering will produce smaller flowers. After second flowering, cut down to basal growth. Use caution when placing this plant in the garden as it is highly toxic.

Could anyone tell me where to buy wolfbane seeds?

Mine bloomed October 13. Makes a lovely cut flower! I got a good 3 arrangements worth on one plant its first year blooming.

Regarding the seeds: Seeds must be cold treated first. Place in a fridge for 6 weeks. Seeds have irregular germination times. Germ. can take between 5 and 270 days. Germ. temperature should be 55-60 deg. Plant seeds 1/16" deep in well drained soil.

There are around 100 species in this genus, the most common being napellus. Best cultivated in rich, moist soil and in part shade if summers are hot and dry. They grow to 3' to 6' tall depending on species. The leaves resemble Delphinium leaves. The flowers have the appearance of a monks hood, hence the common name. All parts of this plant are poisonous, this is where the common name of wolfsbane comes from. They used to use it as a poison on wolves. The flowers are deep blue to purple although it is possible (but sometimes difficult) to find species that come in white, pink, and yellow. Most species are hardy zones 4-9.