Monkshood
Aconitum napellus
Also called Monk's hood, Wolfsbane and Aconite
Garden plant · PerennialsThe most poisonous plant in most British gardens — RHS puts it in its top category and says avoid skin contact. Gloves to cut it, gloves to divide it, and never where food is grown.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 5 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Partial shade, in cool moist soil
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Very hardy RHS H7, to -25°C
- Size
- 1.25 m tall · 0.3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- Western and central Europe
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
PeopleHarmful if eaten, and irritates skin
The whole plant; the roots most of all.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to avoid skin contact and to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.