Aconitum contains the dangerous substance aconitine. Just 2mg of aconitine or 1g of the plant can cause death from respiratory paralysis or heart failure. Read on to discover more about this worrying group of plants.
If you haven’t heard of Aconitum, don’t worry – you’re in good company, as most of us probably haven’t heard of this plant before. However, you may be familiar with its more common names, such as monkshood, wolfsbane, leopard’s bane, devil’s helmet and blue rocket. Aconitum is a genus of over 250 species of flowering plants that share a chilling characteristic; they all contain substantial amounts of highly toxic aconitine and other related alkaloids.
The genus Aconitum is an extensive group of native plants, many of which grow wild in the UK countryside. So it’s worthwhile learning how to identify these plants if you spot them out and about and find out what you should do if you’re unfortunate enough to come into contact with one.
What Do Aconites Look Like?
Aconitum (napellus), commonly known as Monkshood, is the most common aconite in the UK. Monkshood is a tall, striking herbaceous perennial that produces noticeable purple flowers during June and July. It begins its season when new shoots emerge from thick, tuberous roots. The new sprouts grow tall over the summer months, forming strong leafy stems. The leaves form in lobes with several finger-like sections emanating from the central stem. In June and July, Aconitum (napellus) looks its most attractive as it develops a crescendo of bright purple blooms. After flowering, the plant dies back like other perennials, leaving only the roots below ground. Aconite can often be mistaken for other plants such as delphinium (Larkspur). Look out for the distinctive helmet-shaped flower of Aconitum versus the more elongated flower spike of the Delphinium. Delphinium is also toxic, but to a lesser extent than Monkshood.
Aconite, or Monkshood, prefers cool, moist, well-drained soil, so it’s often found near rivers and streams or on hilly meadows. It propagates through seed dispersal, but interestingly, it can take many years for the plants to flower from seed. New plants can also form through dividing the roots in spring or autumn, and replanting.
Taking Care Around Aconitum
If you encounter a tall, attractive purple flowering plant in the countryside or closer to home, beware because it could be poisonous Aconitum (napellus). Take special care not to handle any part of the plant because every bit of it is highly poisonous if ingested or touched. If you find the plant on your property, it’s a good idea to remove it, particularly if you have young children or pets.
To remove the plant safely, wear gloves and carefully dig around its base. Lift it out and place it in a heavy-duty plastic bag. Since the waste is highly toxic, it should be labelled ‘controlled waste’ and taken to a licensed disposal site.
Let’s delve into more detailed information surrounding aconitum and answer some common questions…
What Happens with Aconitum Poisoning?
Poisoning from aconite can cause severe illness and death. Symptoms can begin within minutes or hours and typically include:
- Nausea
- Chest Pain
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal Pain
- Vomiting
- Tingling
- Shortness of Breath
Death from aconitum poisoning is usually a result of respiratory paralysis or heart failure.
It takes only a small amount of aconite to cause a severe reaction, so it’s crucial to seek medical help immediately.
What Should You Do If You’re Affected?
If you think you or someone nearby is experiencing aconite poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. There is no antidote for this type of poisoning or specific treatment strategy, so avoiding the plant is crucial.
Is Aconitum Poisonous To Dogs?
Yes, aconitum is highly toxic to dogs and other animals. All parts of the plant are toxic, but the roots contain the most alkaloid aconitine. The plant is not only poisonous to ingest – even touching the plant can cause harmful toxins to be absorbed through the skin. If your dog displays symptoms like vomiting, tremors, weakness or even paralysis, seek medical attention straight away.
Is Aconitum Poisonous When Cooked?
Years ago, cooked aconitum roots were used as an herbal remedy for neuralgia, topical analgesia, asthma, and heart disease because they contained cardioactive alkaloids. Even today, it is used frequently in Asia as a herbal medication. However, it is nevertheless a fast-acting poisonous plant that must be used with extreme caution. In Asia, aconite poisoning is common because there is a very low margin of safety between therapeutic and toxic doses.
Aconitum, or monkshood, wolfsbane and devil’s helmet, is a historical plant that has appeared numerous times in ancient Greek and European mythology. It has been used for centuries in herbal remedies, and its claim to fame is being the poison of choice for Romeo & Juliet. But although it is steeped in history and strikingly beautiful, this plant also contains a devilish dark side. It contains a substance called aconite – an extremely fast-acting poison. If you spot this plant nearby, contact an experienced professional like The Knotweed Specialists to remove the problem specimen safely and effectively. Young children and animals are at increased risk, so it’s best to take the plant out of harm’s way.
The Knotweed Specialists are skilled contractors with considerable experience tackling problem plants up and down the country. We have successfully treated Japanese knotweed, Giant knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and Bindweed invasions nationwide, and we’re experts when it comes to toxic vegetation. If you think you’ve spotted aconitum on your land, send us a WhatsApp image, and we’ll get back to you straight away.
