Aconitum napellus

13 comments

Also known as: Monkshood; Woolfsbane

Plant folklore: It was used to poison enemy water supplies during times of war in ancient Europe and Asia.
It was the official poison used on the island of Ceros, where all who were of no use to the state were poisoned, especially old men!!..
In Ancient Greece, legend tells that the plant originated from the dripping of fangs of Cerberus, the three-headed dog Hercules was supposed to have brought back to earth with him from the underworld.

Factual info; THIS IS PROBABLY THE MOST POISONOUS PLANT
IN THE GARDEN!!!

All parts are poisonous; there have been reports that children have died just from holding a root in their hands.
It causes burning of lips and mouth, numbness of throat, intense vomiting and diarrhoea, muscular weakness and spasms, weak pulse, paralysis of the respiratory system, convulsions and may be fatal!!
These plants are widely available in garden centres, but not always marked as highly poisonous.

You have been warned!!

20 Nov, 2009
4 likes

Comments

Morgana

Yes so I found out and I have had it for years not knowing up until recently, I bought it from kwik save , I do believe all these plants should be labled also the water lily crocus too, as it states on the net should be planted wearing gloves. There is a weed that if you just touch it, it seeps through the skin and kills you damages the digestive system , I had a leaflet through my door 11 years ago about it, if found to report it.

20 Nov, 2009

Bloomer

Thanks for the warning about this plant.I didn't know it was so poisonous.Will watch out for it if see it for sale.Do you think it is sold at Garden centres,and do you think they will be aware,as regards labeling,or does it only grow in the wild?

20 Nov, 2009

Amblealice

It is freely available at garden centres....some use warning lables but a lot dont. I am sure they will be aware of its potential dangers.

20 Nov, 2009

Seaburngirl

i have held this plant in my bare hands manytimes and the poison has to be ingested for it to do any harm. lets not get too over anxious about them but obviously we need to be careful wth little ones.

20 Nov, 2009

Bulbaholic

I suppose that the seed are quite attractive looking, black and shiny.
In the mountains we often see this growing in very wet areas, often with its feet actualy in a watercourse.

20 Nov, 2009