Monk’s-hood

Aconitum napellus

SIZE AND DESCRIPTION

Erect perennial to 1m tall, with paired blackish taproots. Leaves are palmately lobed, with the lobes themselves deeply cut. Flowers are mauve or bluish, with five petal-like sepals, the upper one forming a cowl-like hood. Also called Bear’s Foot, Grandmother’s Nightcap and Helmet Flower.

DISTRIBUTION

Found across much of Europe and northern Asia as far east as the Himalayas.

USES

All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the roots, extracts of which were once used to tip arrows. Used in analgesics to treat pain; a herb that should only ever be prescribed by a qualified medical practitioner.