Scientific Name
Aconitum spp.
Common Name
Aconite, monkshood, wolfsbane

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Ranunculaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herbs with ascending or nearly trailing stems; leaves alternate, simple, palmately 3-9-lobed; flowers white or blue-purple, the upper part hood- or helmit-like.
Origin
USA, NC; garden hybrids and cultivars
Distribution
Mountains, Piedmont.
Where Found
Forest or natural area, moist woods and along creek banks; landscape, flower garden as herbaceous perennial.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts.
Symptoms
Burning of lips and mouth, numbness of throat; intense vomiting and diarrhea, muscular weakness and spasms, weak pulse, paralysis of the respiratory system, convulsions; may be fatal.
Toxic Principle
Alkaloids aconitine and others.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology, and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences, North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming Miguel A. Buendia; graphics Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species