Aconitum

Aconitum is a genus of about 250–350 species of flowering plants in the Ranunculaceae family. They are native to cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America, and are commonly cultivated as ornamental perennials.

Aconitum plants are herbaceous perennials with deeply divided, often glossy leaves and tall inflorescences bearing hood-shaped flowers. The corollas are usually blue or purple, but yellow, white, and other shades occur. The blooms resemble monk's hoods, giving rise to common names such as monkshood and wolfsbane.

Growth habit varies by species; many reach 0.5–2 meters tall and prefer moist, well-drained soils in partial shade or woodland margins. They are pollinated primarily by bees and attract pollinators with their conspicuous flowers.

Aconitum contains highly toxic alkaloids, notably aconitine, present in roots, rhizomes, and foliage. Ingestion can cause numbness, tingling, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and potentially death. Because of this, all parts should be handled with care, and ornamental plantings are kept away from children.

Due to its toxicity, cultivation is mostly for ornamental use; some traditional medicines have used processed extracts, but modern safety standards restrict its internal use. The plant is widely cultivated in gardens with caution, and many countries regulate its handling and sale.