Azure Monkshood

North American nursery profiles use Azure Monkshood as a common name for Aconitum fischeri, an upright, clump-forming perennial with glossy, divided leaves and hooded lavender-blue flowers. Its late-season bloom adds a cool blue accent to moist perennial borders and woodland edges. All parts of monkshood are poisonous if eaten, and some sources advise avoiding skin contact when handling it. [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/171722/aconitum-fischeri-j-forbes-hemsl/details). ## Flowers and garden use The garden profiles for A. fischeri list flower spikes in late summer through early fall, above dark green foliage. Plants are suited to a border or other place where the flowers can be seen without frequent disturbance. The USDA GRIN and ITIS taxonomic records recognize Aconitum fischeri as a species; the common name Azure Monkshood appears in North American nursery references. [USDA GRIN](https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=1338) · [ITIS](https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=506597). ## Siting and size Provide moist, humus-rich soil that drains well. Published garden listings describe plants sold under the common name Azure Monkshood at roughly 18–24 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide, with full or partial sun in one nursery listing and part sun in another. A Royal Horticultural Society page uses A. fischeri for a different taxonomic treatment and describes plants reaching much larger dimensions, so mature size should be interpreted cautiously and matched to the plant sold under this name. [Perennial Gardens](https://www.perennialgardens.biz/plants/perennial-gardens-plant-database) · [Lincoln Nurseries](https://lincolnnurseries.com/plants/) · [RHS profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/171722/aconitum-fischeri-j-forbes-hemsl/details). ## Maintenance Keep the root zone evenly moist during active growth. Remove faded flower stems if seedheads are not wanted. Wear gloves when handling, wash exposed skin afterward, and keep the plant away from children and pets who might chew it. Do not ingest any part of the plant.