The monkshood (Aconitum napellus) does not bear the trivial name "goat's death" for nothing: After all, this plant is one of the most poisonous perennials in all of Europe, with the concentration of poison being highest in the roots and seeds.
Like practically all plant parts of monkshood, the seeds are also poisonous
Be careful when sowing monkshood in the garden
Before sowing monkshood, you should consider whether the plant in your garden poses a risk to children playing. Since monkshood seeds are dark germs, sowing them directly in the bed does not pose any immediate danger to free-roaming pets in the garden. However, just touching the plant can lead to numbness, even on uninjured skin. Possible symptoms of poisoning (due to aconitine and other alkaloids and alkamines) when consumed are:
- severe nausea
- sensitivity to cold
- cardiac arrhythmias
- severe cramps
- paralysis
- Circulatory paralysis resulting in death (while fully conscious)
Store the seeds safely
To prevent accidents involving children or pets with monkshood seeds, you should keep purchased and self-harvested seeds in a particularly safe place and clearly marked until sowing. It is also a good idea to cut back the plants immediately after flowering so that seed pods cannot form in the first place.
tips
You should also exercise caution when dividing and transplanting monkshood for rejuvenation and propagation. Even small amounts of the root can be extremely toxic if ingested by pets such as dogs or rabbits. Therefore, when transplanting, the roots should also be put back into the ground quickly and never lie around unattended.