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Columbian monkshood

Scientific Name: Aconitum columbianum ssp. columbianum

Family: Ranunculaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Columbian Monkshood (Aconitum columbianum)

Columbian monkshood, scientifically known as Aconitum columbianum, is a captivating flowering plant belonging to the buttercup family. Its striking appearance and intriguing history make it a subject of interest for botanists and garden enthusiasts alike.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is known to be highly toxic, even through simple skin contact.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is known to be highly toxic, even through simple skin contact.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Aconitum columbianum Nutt.
  • Common Names: Columbian monkshood, western monkshood, aconite, wolfbane, blue-weed, friar's cap
  • Family: Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family)
  • Synonyms: Mentions Aconitum uncinatum subsp. noveboracense (A. Gray ex Coville) Hardin as Northern Monkshood
  • Subspecies:
    • Aconitum columbianum subsp. columbianum
    • Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum

Distribution and Habitat

Aconitum columbianum is native to western North America, with "Columbianum" referring to its American (Columbian) location. It can be found in locations such as Mount Bisbee near Trout Lake, Washington, Cascade and Painted Canyons, Kokanee Glacier Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada, Crater Lake National Park in Oregon, and the Sierra Nevada. It often grows along streambanks and in damp meadows.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a herbaceous perennial plant, tall and thin, reaching 2 to 5 feet in height.
  • The leaves are parted.
  • It has purple or blue flowers with darker veins. Each flower is over 2.5 cm (1") long.
  • The upper sepal forms a helmet-like hood.

Quirky Facts

  • A European species of Aconitum (A. napellus) is known as wolfbane, a plant associated with werewolves.

Known Hazards

  • The entire plant is highly toxic, and simple skin contact can cause adverse reactions. The plant contains the toxic chemical aconitine.

Further Information

  • USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
  • Discover Life
  • CalPhotos
  • Dave's Garden