Although it's called Japanese monkshood, this variety is native to open woodlands in both Japan and Korea. While it prefers dappled sun, it can handle full sun as long as it has rich, moist, well-drained soil. It's a clump-forming perennial that blooms in mid- to late fall with light purple-blue flowers.

Aconitums are commonly known as monkshood, because the upper sepal of each flower resembles the hoods of medieval monks. They attract a variety of butterflies and moths, and are the primary food source for Old World bees. Another common name, wolfbane, refers to the poison made from this plant's roots, which was used to tip hunting arrows. Medicinal (and poisonous) uses of this plant date back to ancient times. What's the difference between a medicine and a poison? Dosage.