Larkspur monkshood, Aconitum delphinifolium

Monkshood, Aconitum delphinifolium, from rocky soils of Alaska, is sometimes called Larkspur Monkshood. This herbaceous, perennial plant is one of 250 species in genus Acontium, and is highly toxic and as are most all those species. The name, Acontium, is derived from the greek word for dart or spear commonly with a poisonous tip. Anecdotes state that the extracted poison was used to kill wolves. Hence wolf’s bane is another common name for members of the genus.
The over-sized upper sepal covers the much reduced petals, and somewhat resembles a monk’s hood.
This photograph was taken on the mountainsides above the coastal town of Homer, Alaska.

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