Wolfbane

Aconitum lycoctonum vulparia

Physical Characteristics

Aconitum lycoctonum vulparia is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Europe to Asia

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Some reports suggest the root is edible if cooked[2, 105], but these should be treated with extreme caution due to the highly toxic nature of the plant[K].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Anodyne Diaphoretic Diuretic Irritant Sedative The root is analgesic, anodyne, diaphoretic, diuretic, irritant, sedative[4, 7, 9, 165]. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Known Hazards

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people[1, 13, 65].