ACONITUM PLICATUM Reichenb. – Monkshood

Syn.: Aconitum callibotryon Reichenb., Aconitum hians Reichenb., Aconitum bracteosum J. Presl et Bercht. et J. Presl, Aconitum laetum Reichenb., Aconitum clusii Reichenb., Aconitum vulgare DC., Aconitum tauricum Wulfen, Aconitum napellus subsp. firmum (Reichenb.) Gáyer in Hegi
Family: Ranunculaceae Juss.

Distribution: Central Europe – an endemic species of the Bohemian Massif, it occurs in mountain areas of Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, Bavaria and Northern Austria.
Habitat: It grows in sub-alpine meadows, on stream banks, in forest edges, from mountain to sub-alpine altitudinal zone.
Description: A perennial herb with an erect stem, 30–150 cm high. The leaves are petiolate, palmately divided, segments 3–5 mm wide. The floral raceme is narrow, flowers 2–3 cm long, dark violet, helmet hemispherical, low, flowers from July to September. The fruits are a follicles.
Threat and Protection: Aconitum plicatum is a protected plant in Czechia and Poland.
Note: Monkshood is occasionally cultivated in the gardens. Poisonous plant.



These images were taken in Czechia, Krkonoše, Obří důl (date: 28. 7. 2007).