The Living Forest (291) : Monkshood

The Living Forest (291) : Monkshood

At the border of lake Gileppe (see picture below), I spotted this Monkshood.
Monkshood is a rather rare plant with showy blue flowers, native to western and central Europe.

However, this plant is highly toxic, comparable with the most extremely poisonous fungi.
Death usually occurs within 2 to 6 hours after ingestion.
Poisoning may also occur following picking the leaves without wearing gloves because the toxin is easily absorbed through the skin.

In ancient times, the plant was used on spears and arrows to eliminate enemies and also for hunting.

Dutch name : Blauwe monnikskap
German name : Blauer Eisenhut (auch Mönchskappe genannt)
Latin name : Aconitum napellus