Northern wolfsbane Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 4 min read| 4,857 found this helpful

Aconitum lycoctonum L.s.l./L.s.str., Aconitum vulparia aggr./Rchb.s.str., Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. neapolitanum (Ten.) Nyman, Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulparia (Rchb.) Nyman, Aconitum altissimum Mill./Mill.p.p., Aconitum lamarckii Rchb., Aconitum ranunculifolium Rchb., Aconitum pyrenaicum L., Aconitum x platanifolium Degen & Gáyer, Aconitum penninum (Ser.) Gáyer

All plant parts are toxic, especially roots, seeds and flower water; above-ground parts have the highest toxin content before flowering.

Aconitine, one of the strongest known plant poisons, makes up 0.2-3% of the plant's dry weight, with toxicity reduced slightly by drying or long storage.

Symptoms onset within minutes of ingestion, with death from respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest possible if urgent treatment is not received.

FAQ

Is Northern wolfsbane toxic to Humans?

Burning and paresthesia in the mouth shortly after ingestion, followed by salivation, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, colic, restlessness, anxiety, ataxia, weakness, convulsions, possible coma, hypotension, irregular heartbeat, ventricular fibrillation, dilated pupils, vision loss up to blindness, hypothermia, dyspnea, cyanosis, death from respiratory or cardiac failure. (Severe)

Is Northern wolfsbane toxic to Cats?

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar neurological, cardiac and respiratory distress as seen in human poisoning, which may be rapidly fatal. (Severe)

Is Northern wolfsbane toxic to Dogs?

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar neurological, cardiac and respiratory distress as seen in human poisoning, which may be rapidly fatal. (Severe)

Is Northern wolfsbane toxic to Horses?

Higher sensitivity to poisoning than sheep; symptoms include rapid onset of neurological, cardiac and respiratory distress, with small ingested amounts potentially causing fatal outcomes. (Severe)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Severe

Cats

Severe

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar neurological, cardiac and respiratory distress as seen in human poisoning, which may be rapidly fatal.

Dogs

Severe

No species-specific symptom data available; expected to present with similar neurological, cardiac and respiratory distress as seen in human poisoning, which may be rapidly fatal.

Horses

Severe

Higher sensitivity to poisoning than sheep; symptoms include rapid onset of neurological, cardiac and respiratory distress, with small ingested amounts potentially causing fatal outcomes.

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsWhole plant, especially roots and seeds; flower water. Above-ground parts have the highest toxicity before flowering; dried plant material has slightly reduced toxicity.

Exposure RouteOral ingestion is the primary exposure route; skin contact with damaged plant tissue or concentrated extracts may also lead to toxin absorption and adverse effects.

Toxic CompoundsAconitine; Mesaconitine; Hypaconitine; N-Desethylaconitine; Oxoaconitin; 14-Acetylneolin; Aconosin; Hokbusin A; Senbusin C; Magnoflorin

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• If ingested and the affected individual/animal is conscious, immediately induce vomiting to remove unabsorbed plant material.
• Administer activated charcoal to bind remaining toxins in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Do not give any food, drink or medications unless instructed by a medical/veterinary professional.
• Seek emergency medical or veterinary care immediately, as symptom onset is extremely rapid.

Contact Vet Immediately

• Any confirmed or suspected ingestion of any part of Northern wolfsbane by pets or livestock.
• Appearance of symptoms including excessive salivation, uncoordinated movement, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing after possible exposure.
• Detection of Northern wolfsbane contamination in animal feed or forage supplies.

Prevention

• Do not cultivate Northern wolfsbane in areas accessible to children, pets or grazing livestock.
• Always fully verify the identity of wild foraged plants before consumption, to avoid confusion with edible celery or horseradish.
• Wear impermeable protective gloves when handling this plant to prevent skin absorption of toxic alkaloids.

Treatment & Prognosis

• Gastrointestinal decontamination via induced emesis, gastric lavage and activated charcoal administration as clinically appropriate.
• Symptomatic supportive care: control cardiac arrhythmias, maintain respiratory function, manage seizures, correct hypothermia and fluid/electrolyte imbalances.
• Avoid administration of Digitalis or Strophanthin, as these are contraindicated for aconitine poisoning.

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameAconitum lycoctonum L.s.l./L.s.str., Aconitum vulparia aggr./Rchb.s.str., Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. neapolitanum (Ten.) Nyman, Aconitum lycoctonum subsp. vulparia (Rchb.) Nyman, Aconitum altissimum Mill./Mill.p.p., Aconitum lamarckii Rchb., Aconitum ranunculifolium Rchb., Aconitum pyrenaicum L., Aconitum x platanifolium Degen & Gáyer, Aconitum penninum (Ser.) Gáyer

AliasesYellow monkshood、Wolf's root、Wolf's monkshood、Fox's monkshood、Buttercup-leaved yellow monkshood、Common yellow monkshood、Plane-leaved yellow monkshood、Pennine yellow monkshood、Aconit tue-loup、Aconit de Lamarck、Aconito giallo、Aconito di Lamarck

Toxicity Grade

HumansSevere

CatsSevere

DogsSevere

HorsesSevere

Target Organs

Oral mucosaGastrointestinal tractNervous systemHeartRespiratory systemEyes

Mechanism of Action

• Aconitine and related alkaloids bind to voltage-gated sodium channels, causing persistent activation of nerve and muscle cells.

• Toxins disrupt cardiac electrical function leading to life-threatening arrhythmias, and impair neuromuscular transmission.

• Progressive untreated toxicity leads to respiratory paralysis or cardiac arrest, usually within hours of ingestion.

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Donkey: Higher sensitivity to poisoning than sheep, may develop fatal symptoms after ingestion of small amounts of the plant.

Goat: Higher sensitivity to poisoning than sheep, even small ingestions may lead to severe, life-threatening symptoms.

Sheep: Relatively lower sensitivity compared to horses, donkeys and goats, but still at risk of severe poisoning from large ingested amounts.

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Larkspur Delphinium sp.

Severely toxic, visually similar to Northern wolfsbane; key differentiator is its distinct spurred flower shape.

Wild celery Apium graveolens

Non-toxic, root tubers may be confused with Northern wolfsbane roots; wild celery has pinnate alternate leaves and small white umbel flowers.

Horseradish Armoracia rusticana

Non-toxic, roots may be mistaken for Northern wolfsbane roots; horseradish has a sharp pungent taste when cut, unlike the bitter taste of wolfsbane.

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Data Sources

1. CliniTox (Universität Zürich)

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.

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