Wolfsbane, also known as monkshood or aconite, is a beautiful but highly poisonous plant that has long been used in folklore and fiction But where can you actually find wolfsbane growing in the real world? Here’s a complete guide to locating this notorious flower in nature
What is Wolfsbane?
Wolfsbane refers to a number of flowering plant species in the genus Aconitum mostly native to mountainous regions of the northern hemisphere. The most common species are A. napellus (monkshood or aconite) and A. lycoctonum (northern wolfsbane).
These perennial plants produce tall spikes of helmet-shaped blue, purple, white, yellow or pink flowers. The leaves are palmate, meaning they look like a hand with fingers spreading out from the stem.
All parts of wolfsbane contain the toxin aconitine, which can cause severe poisoning if ingested. In fact, it’s one of the most poisonous plants in the world. Historically, it was used to poison arrows and bait.
The name wolfsbane comes from its traditional use in poisoning wolves. Monkshood refers to the hooded flowers resembling a monk’s cowl.
Where Does Wolfsbane Grow Naturally?
Wolfsbane grows natively throughout mountain ranges in the northern hemisphere. This includes:
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Europe – abundant across the European Alps and Pyrenees mountains. Also present in the Carpathian Mountains of Eastern Europe.
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Asia – found in mountainous regions of China, Nepal, Japan, Korea and Russia.
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North America – less common, but grows in parts of the Rocky Mountains and Appalachian Mountains.
Aconite favors moist, nutrient-rich soil and thrives in partly shaded mountain forests and meadows. It’s most often found in areas with cool nighttime temperatures.
In the U.S., the native species is A. columbianum (western monkshood). It grows in shady, damp forests and beside streams in mountainous parts of the Pacific Northwest and Rockies.
When to Find Wolfsbane in Bloom
The best time to spot wolfsbane is during its flowering season, which lasts from late spring through early fall depending on species and climate. Some key blooming periods:
- A. napellus: June to September
- A. lycoctonum: July to August
- A. columbianum: May to August
Morning and evening typically provide the most comfortable temperatures for hiking in wolfsbane habitat. Summer to early fall offers the highest chance of seeing the flowers in peak bloom.
Locations to Find Wolfsbane Growing Wild
Here are some prime spots around the world to see wolfsbane growing in its native habitat:
Europe
- Swiss Alps, Switzerland
- Pyrenees, France/Spain
- Carpathian Mountains, Romania
- Southern Alps, Slovenia
- Krkonoše Mountains, Czech Republic
Asia
- Mountains of Hokkaido, Japan
- Daxue Mountain Range, Sichuan Province, China
- Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
- Altai Mountains, Siberia, Russia
- Hallasan National Park, South Korea
North America
- Glacier National Park, Montana
- Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada
- Mt. Rainier National Park, Washington
- Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee
When hiking in these areas, look for wolfsbane growing along shady forest trails, mountain meadows, streamsides and roadsides. Be extremely cautious and avoid contact if you spot it!
Purchasing Wolfsbane Plants and Seeds
For home gardeners seeking monkshood without the hike, several species can be purchased from nurseries and online Plant resources:
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A. x cammarum hybrids offer a wide array of colors. Popular varieties include ‘Bressingham Spire’ and ‘Arendsii’.
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A. carmichaelii produces unique cobra-shaped blooms in shades of deep purple.
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A. napellus has classic hooded blue flowers on tall stalks.
Note that wolfsbane plants are banned in some U.S. states like Oregon due to the high toxicity risk. Always take precautions when handling aconite and supervise children and pets around any plantings.
With its striking beauty and deadly legend, wolfsbane holds an enduring allure. Whether you admire it on a mountain hike or cultivate the tamer hybrids at home, this iconic flower transports the mythic into the real world. Approach with caution, and you’ll be rewarded with bewitching blooms.
Toxicity and Risks of Wolfsbane
Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii is one of the most poisonous plants in the world and extreme care must be taken with it. Toxins are easily absorbed if eaten or touched.
All parts of the plant are poisonous, although some more than others. The primary toxin within this plant is known as aconitine, and kills by paralyzing the heart and/or respiratory system.
Initial signs of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These are typically followed by numbness, burning, and tingling. Death often results within hours of a lethal dose, although it is sometimes almost instantaneous. Verified Reviews Secure checkout Good Vibes Healthy Plants
Size of Wolfsbane When Fully Grown
Aconitum carmichaelii Arendsii typically grows to a height of 3-4 and a width of around 2.
Where can I find Wolfsbane in Witcher 3?
FAQ
Where can you find wolfsbane?
Though many consider Wolfsbane to be beautiful, it is an incredibly deadly plant. Wolfsbane grows abundantly in the Alps, and throughout Italy.
Does wolfsbane grow in America?
Wolfsbane/Monkshood is a long lived tuber forming herbaceous perennial of the ranunculus family that is most closely related to delphiniums. About 100 species are known with five native to North America.
Where to find wolfsbane in real life?
About Wolfsbane
Aconitum napellus can be found in mountains to temperate regions throughout western and central Europe. This plant has leaves that are rounded and it is palmately divided into 5-7 well lobed segments.
What does wolfsbane do to humans?
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What it is:Wolfsbane (genus Aconitum) is a plant containing aconitine, a potent neurotoxin and cardiotoxin.
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How it affects the body:Aconitine blocks sodium channels in excitable tissues (myocardium, nerves, and muscles), leading to tissue depolarization.
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Symptoms of poisoning:
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
- Neurological: Paresthesia (tingling or numbness), followed by potential paralysis.
- Cardiovascular: Cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, and potentially lethal cardiac sequelae.
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain.
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Mechanism of action:Aconitine causes persistent depolarization of neuronal sodium channels, leading to an influx of sodium and a delay in repolarization, which increases excitability and can lead to severe symptoms.
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Severity:Even small amounts of aconitine can be fatal, with death potentially occurring within hours.
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Treatment:Treatment is mainly supportive, with close monitoring of blood pressure and cardiac rhythm.
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Other names:Wolfsbane is also known as monkshood.
Where can I find Wolfsbane?
It’s in the second part of the Gloaming. Cross the river either with a levitate potion at the lily pads, or if you’ve planted the magic bean here you can use the bridge. Walk south and east. You’ll get caught in brambles so have a little purple in your magic bar to zap them. Just past the brambles it dead ends and there is wolfsbane.
How many Wolfsbane do you grow a day?
Just past the brambles it dead ends and there is wolfsbane. One wolfsbane generates per day, but you’ll get a couple the first time you harvest. Same do we have to grow it???
How much does it cost to sign up on Wolfsbane?
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How often should Wolfsbane be watered?
Moreover, this plant prefers watering every 3-4 days, balanced fertilizer once a month, and 6 hours of indirect light. Think twice before touching Wolfsbane, as the plant is loaded with toxins. After overwatering, Wolfsbane may also suffer from root rot and other pathogenic soilborne diseases.
Can you eat Wolfsbane without a doctor?
Although Wolfsbane is helpful in preparing medicines for inflammations and pains, using it without an expert’s help is not a good idea. The toxic effects don’t decrease even after cooking at a high temperature; even the small ingestion can be fatal.
Is woldsbane poisonous to humans and pets?
Besides the astonishing beauty and unique appearance, Woldsbane is poisonous to humans and pets. All parts of this toxic plant are harmful; even a little consumption can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. In the huge consumption, you and your pets may suffer from paralysis, heart and lung failure, coma, and death.