southern blue monkshood

plant

Also known as: Aconitum uncinatum

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

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Southern blue monkshood, scientifically known as Aconitum uncinatum, is a species of perennial herb belonging to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae. This plant is native to North America and is characterized by its leaves, which are divided only to the base, and its flowers, typically borne in loose panicles. The flowers are usually purple or blue and have a distinctive hood shape.12

While some species of monkshood are cultivated for ornamental purposes, it is crucial to note that all species, including southern blue monkshood, are extremely poisonous due to the presence of the potent toxin aconitine. Historically, aconitine has been used in minute medicinal amounts, but its toxicity makes it dangerous.1

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monkshood
Major species
carmichaelii), and southern blue monkshood (A. uncinatum). All species contain the powerful poison aconitine. The common monkshood, or friar’s cap (A. napellus), native to mountain slopes in Europe and east to the Himalayas, has been the most important source of this drug, which in ancient times was…
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carmichaelii), and southern blue monkshood (A. uncinatum). All species contain the powerful poison aconitine. The common monkshood, or friar’s cap (A. napellus), native to mountain slopes in Europe and east to the Himalayas, has been the most important source of this drug, which in ancient times was…
Read More