What is the wolfsbane plant?

The scientific name for the wolfsbane plant is Aconitum lycoctonum. The wolfsbane plant is from the Ranunculaceae family of plants, which is also known as the buttercup family.

The wolfsbane plant is a perennial that grows from Europe to West Asia. Wolfsbane grows to about 3 feet 3 inches in height and flowers in July and August.

All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the roots and seeds. However, there are reports that the root was used for food in Lapland. Wolfsbane also is a component in traditional Chinese medicine. The root is anaesthetic, antiarthritic, antitussive, deobstruent, diaphoretic and diuretic, as well as being a sedative and stimulant.