Monkshood aka Aconitum

You're right! You have a good eye. After comparing the photos of my upside down flowers to photos of monkshood, I could see you're totally correct. They're not sacks, they're hoods. Thanks!

It isn't a vine so I think your supposition that it is lacking light is correct, although they do tolerate some shade. Be aware that all parts are poisonous.

It may be the native climbing Aconitum uncinatum.

Here is a link that might be useful: Aconitum uncinatum

Oh, LUCKY YOU! I have looked for one of these vines for a long, long time. If you have one to trade, email me and we'll trade!

Good call, Carol. I'd not heard of that one. Looks quite likely, doesn't it?

Never knew there was a climbing variety of monkshood! I researched further and I'm convinced that this is Native Climbing Aconitum Uncinatum I also have the more common upright variety which is not yet blooming. I didn't make the connection because the growth habit is so different.

The leaves are distinctly different. The climbing variety has more deeply lobed leaves. The flowers are growing along the stem in separate clusters hanging off of thin stems.

Now that I have one, how do I propagate it? Can I save seeds? Can I move this one to a more conspicuous place or should I leave well enough alone?

Thanks for your help on this.

I would leave the plant where it is. Seeds will probably ripen in October according to a botanist friend. He thinks your species may be Aconitum novaboracense.
Are you in NY or PA ?

It's noveboracense.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:322902}}

We're in northeast PA in the Pocono Mountains, Monroe County

I found this photo on mtcubacenter.org which looks pretty much like the one I have. It was identified as Aconitum uncinatum.

I checked out the Aconitum novaboracense variety which has a different appearance and doesn't seem to grow in the same conditions we have here.

There is a climbing monkshood with yellow flowers in cultivation also.