MONKSHOOD
Monkshood, aconite, friar’s cap, WolfsbaneAconitum napellus—RANUNCULACEAE
Monkshood, aconite, friar’s cap, WolfsbaneAconitum napellus—RANUNCULACEAE
Description:There are numerous garden varieties of the monkshood and it is widely cultivated. It is a perennial herb reaching a height of about 3 to 4 feet with many divided leaves (like a crow’s foot). Several violet-blue flowers form on a flowering stalk somewhat like the delphinium orlarkspur, but they are more frequently branched. Each flower resembles the cap or hood of a medieval monk, hence its common name. The seeds are tiny and form in dry capsules called follicles.
Poisonous Parts:Roots and seeds are most poisonous although the leaves may be harmful if eaten. The plant contains several poisonous alkaloids, chieflyaconitine, which affects the vital vagus nerve from the brain causing a slowing of the heart. Other effects of poisoning include tingling and numbing sensations of the lips and tongue, irregular pulse, dimness of vision, and respiratory failure.
Antidote:Call your doctor. The victim should be kept warm, because of the possibility of circulatory collapse, and placed in a horizontal position with the feet level with the head. Physicians treat foraconitinealkaloid poisoning. Gastric lavage is preferred to the use of vomiting agents. Circulatory stimulants may be necessary.