Monkshood

(Aconitum uncinatum)

Monkshood (Aconitum uncinatum L.)

Identification: Flowers violet. Upper "petal" (actually an enlarged sepal) shaped like a helmet covering the top 2 petals. Bottom two "petals" droop like a mustache. Leaves highly dissected, similar to a buttercup's leaves. Plant 2 to 3 feet in height.

Distribution: Illinois in the west to Pennsylvania in the east, southward to Georgia and Albama.

Habitat: Monkshood is found in rich woods and in the mountains toward the southern part of its range.

Flowering period: August to October.

Similar Species: The shape and color of the flower is distinctive. The species is somewhat like the larkspurs, but the larkspurs have a long flower spur and the top "petal" is not shaped like a helmet.

Comments: A color photograph of a related species, Aconitum noveboracense, is shown below.