In Greco-Roman mythology, winter aconite was formed from the hardened spittle of Cerberus, the fearsome three-headed dog who guarded the gates of the Underworld.
According to the legend, Cerberus was dragged to the upper world by Hercules. In reaction to the sunlight, he frothed at the mouth. Where his saliva touched the earth, winter aconite sprouted.
The saliva of Cerberus was said to be a deadly poison, which was utilized by the sorceress Medea to murder the hero Theseus. Winter aconite is in fact poisonous, and should never be consumed.