Aconitum vulparia Wolfsbane
Being a plant of the Aconitum genus, all parts are toxic and some people have even suggested that numbness of the hands can be caused by merely handling it. The alkaloides present in A. vulparia act as acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter chemical) receptor antagonists. In short Wolfsbane contains nerve poisons. Because it was by reputation the only poison capable of killing a wolf, the name Wolfsbane arose.
It is however a very attractive plant and is sold in nurseries and garden centres. It is known from European alpine regions and a little has been introduced to the British Isles (Aconitum lycoctonum ssp vulparia). Generally it is found on basic soils and more often in shady places like woods but it was flourishing in the open slopes of Val de Fein in this case.
|
| Aconitum vulparia Wolfsbane |
Val de Fain, Engadine, Switzerland 6th July 2010
Added on 20th July 2010, updated 26th February 2012, updated 18th July 2014