I have several Aconites in the garden - all known as various forms of Monkshood. The other name these flowers are known by is wolf's bane. The former name is understandable when you look at the shape of the flowers, essentially like a monk's cowl. The hood below is bi-colour one that is currently flowering in the front garden ( A.x cammarum) - a lot later than its cousins in my magical backyard.

The name Wolf's Bane is reflective of the poisonous nature of these plants, also known as the Queen of all poisons. All parts of the plant can be used as poison but the most poisonous parts are the roots and seeds so extreme care must be taken when handling these plants. Their scientific name of Aconite comes from the arrow tips dipped in poison made from these seed heads.

Poisonous as they are, they are attractive to bees - part of the reason I am keen to have them in my garden despite the dangers they could pose.They are supposed to be particularly beloved of a species called Bombus consobrinus in Scandinavia.Here in my garden though they seem particularly enjoyed by Bombus hortorum