Common Names: Aconite, Friar's Cap, Garden Wolfbane, Helmet
Flower, Monk's Hood, Soldier's Cap, Thor's Hat, Wolfbane
Latin Name: Aconitum spp.
Description: An outdoor ornamental herb that is a member
of the buttercup family. Tall erect spikes of dark blue, violet,
white or amethyst-blue helmet-shaped flowers above clumps of divided dark
green leaves. Occasionally yellow flowers. Fibrous or tuberous roots,
mostly erect stems, and palmately divided or cleft leaves. They are
2 to 4 ft. tall on weak stalks. The bilaterally symmetrical flower has
five outer petals with the uppermost shaped like a large, downward opening
hood. This hood is what differentiates the plant from Larkspur.
It contains poisonous alkaloids and is toxic to both humans.
Poisonous Parts: All parts. Alkaloid toxins affect
the cardiovascular system..
Symptoms: When eaten in small to moderate amounts, roots produce
symptoms of restlessness, salivation, vomiting, weakened or irregular heartbeat.
Treatment: Contact your veterinarian.