Turk’s-cap (Aconitum napellus, Sp. Pl.: 532 (1753))

Family: Ranunculaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 532 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Aconitum

Vegetable: False

Observations: W. & C. Europe

Description

Turk’s-cap: An Insight into Aconitum napellus

Turk’s-cap, scientifically known as Aconitum napellus, is a member of the Ranunculaceae family. First detailed in the classic botanical work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, this striking plant has captured the attention of plant enthusiasts and professionals alike for centuries.

Description and Identification

Aconitum napellus, commonly referred to as Monkshood or Turk’s-cap, is easily identifiable by its distinctive hood-shaped flowers. These blooms usually appear in shades of deep, royal blue to violet, although they can also be found in white and pink variants. The flowers form dense, spike-like clusters on tall, erect stems, which can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters. The finely divided leaves are dark green, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal.

Habitat and Range

Native to Western and Central Europe, Turk’s-cap thrives in a variety of habitats, from mountainous regions and meadows to woodlands. This hardy perennial is well-suited to cooler climates and is typically found in nutrient-rich, moist soils. Its natural preference for shaded or partially shaded areas makes it a valuable addition to gardens designed to emulate forest conditions.

Toxicity and Handling

While undeniably beautiful, Turk’s-cap is also known for its high toxicity. All parts of the plant contain potent alkaloids, notably aconitine, which can be dangerous if ingested or improperly handled. Skin contact with the plant can cause irritation, and ingestion can lead to severe poisoning symptoms. For this reason, it is advisable to handle Aconitum napellus with care, wearing gloves and ensuring that children and pets are kept away from it.

Historical Uses

Historically, extracts from Turk’s-cap were used in traditional medicine, albeit with great caution due to their toxic nature. It played a role in treating ailments such as neuralgia and rheumatism. However, the narrow margin between therapeutic and lethal doses has led to its decline in medicinal applications in favor of safer alternatives.

Ornamental Use

In contemporary horticulture, Turk’s-cap is primarily valued for its ornamental properties. It is often planted in borders, woodland gardens, and cottage-style gardens where it can provide vertical interest and a splash of color. Due to its toxicity, gardeners are advised to plant it in areas where it is less likely to be disturbed.

In summary, Turk’s-cap (Aconitum napellus) is a fascinating plant that combines stunning visual appeal with a rich historical background. Its cultivation requires careful consideration due to its toxic nature, but when handled with respect, it can be a splendid addition to suitable garden settings.

Common Names

Eng: aconite, bear’s-foot, blue rocket, friar’s-cap, garden monkshood, garden wolfsbane, helmet-flower, monkshood, queen’s fettle, soldier’s-cap, turk’s-cap, venus’ chariot, monk’s-hood, monk’s hood
Deu: blauer eisenhut
Fra: aconit napel, aconit casque-de-jupiter, capuce de moine, casque de jupiter, char de vénus
Spa: acónito común, matalobos
Lav: zil
Swe: äkta stormhatt, stormhatt
Nld: blauwe monnikskap
Nob: storhjelm
Nno: storhjelm
Cym: adda ac efa, bleidd-dag, cwcwll y mynach, cwfl y mynach, esgid mair, llys y blaidd, llysiau’r blaidd
En: Turk’s-cap, Bear’s-foot, Friar’s-cap, Garden monkshood, Garden wolfsbane, Queen’s fettle, Soldier’s-cap, Aconite, Monkshood, Helmet-flower, Blue rocket, Venus’ chariot, Monk’s-hood, Monk’s Hood, Auld Wife’s Huid, Friar’s Cap, Poison Aconite
Sq: Spineri
Ar: البيش
Az: Turpabənzər kəpənəkçiçəyi
Eu: Irabelar
Br: Louzaouenn-ar-flemm
Ca: Acònit blau, Matallops blau, Tora blava
Zh: 附子
Kw: Kugol an managh
Hr: Modri jedić
Cs: Oměj šalamounek, Oměj, Oměj horský
Da: Ægte Stormhat
Nl: Blauwe monnikskap
Et: Sinine käoking
Fi: Aitoukonhattu, Huppu-ukonhattu, Ukonhattu
Fr: Aconit napel, Acinitum napellus, Aconit casque-de-Jupiter, Capuce de moine, Casque de Jupiter, Char de Vénus, Napel, Casque, Casque-de-Jupiter
De: Blauer Eisenhut, Blauer Sturmhut, Sturmhut, Echter Sturmhut
El: Ακόνιτον το ναπίδιον
Hu: Havasi sisakvirág
It: Aconito napello, Aconito, Napello, Strozzalupo
Lv: Zilā kurpīte, Zil
Li: Blawwe paterskap
Lt: Mėlynoji kurpelė
Lb: Bloen Eisenhutt
Ml: വത്സനാഭി
No: Storhjelm
Nb: Storhjelm
Nn: Storhjelm
Ps: آکونیټوم ناپېللوس
Fa: اقونیطون
Pl: Tojad, Tojad mocny
Pt: Aconítico, Acónito, Acônito
Pt-br: Acônito, Capuz-de-frade, Carro-de-venus, Capacete-de-júpiter, Mata-lobos
Ru: Борец клобучковый
Sk: Prilbica modrá, Prilbica tuhá
Es: Acónito común, Matalobos, Acónito, Repičasta preobjeda, Aconito-matalobos, Acónito vulgar, Acónito-napelo, Anapelo de flor azul, Anapelo, Casco de Júpiter, Hierba-matalobos, Hábito del diablo, Matalobos de flor azul, Nabieyo, Nabillo del diablo, Napelo, Naviesu, Tora blava, Vedegambre azul, Vedegambre, Yerba del lobado, Capuz, Matabobos, Napech
Su: Wortel
Sv: Äkta stormhatt, Stormhatt
Zh-tw: 附子
Ta: நஞ்சுகளின் அரசி
Zh-hant: 附子
Ur: آکونیٹوم ناپيللوس
Cy: Cwcwll y mynach, Adda ac Efa, Bleidd-Dag, Cwfl y Mynach, Esgid Mair, Llys y Blaidd, Llysiau’r Blaidd

Synonyms

• Delphinium napellus ((L.) Baill.)
• Napellus vulgaris (Fourr.)

Distribution

• Austria (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Italy (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Spain (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2017 by Pippo Breizh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2021 by Francois Mathieu (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2017 by Susana López (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 16, 2018 by Esteban Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2021 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 27, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Frank Vincentz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2020 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 5, 2021 by Christine Neumann (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 1, 2020 by Lucille D. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Jani Zadrgal (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2020 by Alexandre Hirzel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2019 by Émile Maurice (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jul 26, 2017 by Miguel Borruel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 10, 2019 by Thierry Villanueva (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2021 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 1, 2018 by Vladimír Valach (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2022 by Joan Francesc (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Jan Werner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 4, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2021 by Disa Villada (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 19, 2015 by EOL − Marion Zöller (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by mrostf (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3033665)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:707615-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Aconitum napellus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 5

Atmospheric humidity: 8

Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 7