Plant of the Week  (September 10 - September 16 2006) 

Aconitum Napellus (Monkshood)

Family:        Ranunculaceae
Genus:         Aconitum 
Species:       Napellus
Common :   Monkshood, Friar's cap, Garden wolfsbane

Zone:  4 - 11

Type:  Herbaceous perennial,   Blooms July – Early October

Conditions: Light: part sun to shade
                   Soil: light (sandy) to heavy (clay), as long as the soil is moist. 
                   The plant grows in acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soil.               

Notes : The genus name Aconitum is from the Greek term en akonias, 'growing on bare rocks'.
            All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the roots, seeds, and new leaves.

Below is a very interesting cultivar that some friends have. Notice the 'hoods' are upside down!

A related species is a Herbaceous vine. This plant has smaller flowers but beautiful purple stems. 

Previous Plants of the Week

September 03 - September 09 2006 Scadoxus multiflorus (Blood Lily)