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Wolfsbane

Wolfsbane is a common name for poisonous plants in the genus *Aconitum*, especially *Aconitum napellus* and related species.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Wolfsbane is a common name for highly poisonous plants in the genus *Aconitum*, particularly *Aconitum napellus* and related species. These perennial herbs are known for their hood‑shaped flowers and extreme toxicity, and the name originates from historical use of the plant as a wolf poison. Some *Aconitum* species are native to North America, and Canadian readers may encounter wolfsbane in horticulture or botanical discussions.

Taxonomy and naming

Wolfsbane is a vernacular name applied to multiple species in the genus *Aconitum*. Common names also include monkshood and aconite, and the exact species associated with the name can vary by region and context. The plants belong to the buttercup family, Ranunculaceae.

Description

*Aconitum* species are upright perennial herbs with deeply lobed leaves and distinctive hood‑shaped flowers, typically blue, purple, or occasionally white. The flower shape gives rise to the common name monkshood.

Toxicity

All parts of the plant are regarded as extremely poisonous, and ingestion can be fatal. The toxic alkaloids, most notably aconitine, are concentrated especially in the roots and tubers, and poisoning can also occur through skin contact.

History and folklore

The name wolfsbane is linked to the historical practice of using the plant as poison bait or arrow poison against wolves. The plant also appears in European folklore and later popular culture due to its danger and distinctive appearance.

Key facts

  • Wolfsbane is not a single species; it commonly refers to *Aconitum* species.
  • All parts of the plant are poisonous, with roots and tubers especially toxic.
  • The flowers are typically hood‑shaped, giving rise to the name monkshood.
  • The name wolfsbane comes from historical use of the plant as wolf poison.
  • Some species are cultivated as ornamentals despite their toxicity.
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Canadian context

Some *Aconitum* species are native to North America, and Canadian readers may encounter wolfsbane/monkshood in horticulture, botanical gardens, or discussions of poisonous native and ornamental plants.[1][16]

Frequently asked questions

Is wolfsbane a real plant?
Yes. It is a common name for poisonous plants in the genus *Aconitum*, especially monkshood and related species.
Is wolfsbane the same as monkshood?
Often yes in common usage, but both names can refer to several *Aconitum* species, so usage varies by source and region.
Why is it called wolfsbane?
The name comes from historical use of the plant as poison for wolves, including poisoned bait and arrow poison.
Is wolfsbane poisonous?
Yes. All parts are poisonous, and roots and tubers are especially dangerous due to toxic alkaloids such as aconitine.
What does wolfsbane look like?
It is typically a tall perennial with deeply lobed leaves and hood‑shaped flowers, often blue or purple.
Where does wolfsbane grow?
Species in *Aconitum* are found mainly in cool, moist mountainous regions across the Northern Hemisphere, with species native to Europe, Asia, and North America.

References

  1. University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture — https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/aconitum-napellus-monkshood-wolfsbane-05-13-2016.aspx
    Supports: Wolfsbane/monkshood is *Aconitum napellus*; all parts are poisonous; name origin linked to wolf poison; plant family and habitat notes.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/monkshood
    Supports: Monkshood is the genus *Aconitum*; more than 200 species; all are extremely poisonous; ornamental use.
  3. Missouri Botanical Garden — https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286162&isprofile=1&gen=Aconitum
    Supports: Commonly called wolfsbane; used historically as poison; all parts, especially roots and seeds, are extremely poisonous.
  4. Chicago Botanic Garden — https://www.chicagobotanic.org/blog/plants-and-gardening/monsters-magic-and-monkshood
    Supports: Wolfsbane is a poisonous fall-blooming perennial; folklore associations; ingestion can be fatal.
  5. Chicago Botanic Garden — https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/aconitum-lycoctonum-wolfsbane-monkshood
    Supports: Common name usage; hood-like flower shape; historical use as poison on hunting arrows; native range notes.
  6. Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/33788/aconitum-lycoctonum/details
    Supports: Perennial description, height, leaves, and hooded flowers for a wolfsbane species.
  7. Carnegie Museum of Natural History — https://carnegiemnh.org/wolfsbane/
    Supports: Wolfsbane refers to many *Aconitum* species; perennial buttercup family plants; roots contain poisonous alkaloids; traditional medicine and poison history.
  8. WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/monkshood-poisoning
    Supports: Monkshood/wolfsbane is a general term for *Aconitum*; all raw parts are extremely poisonous; aconitine affects heart and nervous system.