Aconitum lasianthum
wolf's bane
Upright, clump-forming perennial to about 1-1.2m tall, with rounded 5 to 9-lobed dark green leaves, and panicles of hooded pale yellow flowers, in mid and late summer
Other common names
foxbanegoat's bane
Synonyms
Aconitum lasianthumAconitum orientale misapplied
see moreAconitum thyraicum
Aconitum tragoctonum
Aconitum vulparia
Aconitum lycoctonum var. vulparia
Aconitum altissimum
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Ranunculaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, avoid skin contact. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Aconitum can be herbaceous perennials or biennials with lobed leaves and racemes or panicles of showy, hooded flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grows best in deep, cool, moisture-retentive soil in partial shade, but will also tolerate most soils and full sun if soil is humus-rich and protected with mulch to ensure that it is moist throughout the growing season; use protective gloves
Propagation
Propagate by division in autumn or late winter to maintain vigour but plants may be slow to re-establish. Use protective gloves when handling any part of the plant
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Wildlife gardens
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required except cutting back dead stems; use protective gloves
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
May be susceptible to fungal stem rot, powdery mildews, and Verticillium wilt
Get involved
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