Bransford, W.D. and Dolphia
Aconitum columbianum Nutt.
Columbian monkshood
Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)
A usually tall, leafy plant with bilaterally symmetrical, hood-like, blue or blue-violet flowers in a showy raceme. The stems of this tuberous
perennial are usually erect, stout and 2-6 ft. tall, but sometimes are weak and reclining. The lower leaves are palmately lobed, becoming smaller upward. Showy flowers in a lax
spike are purplish-blue and hooded. Flowering starts at the bottom of the
spike and progresses upward.
A European species of Monkshood (
A. napellus), is the celebrated wolfbane of werewolf lore.
Image Gallery:
11 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit: Size Class: 3-6 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Blue , Purple
Bloom Time: Jul , Aug
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , CO , ID , IA , MT , NV , NM , OR , SD , UT , WA , WY
Native Distribution: AK to n. CA, w. to the Rockies; also Black Hills
Native Habitat: Moist woods; stream banks; wet thickets
USDA Native Status: L48(N), CAN(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: High
Light Requirement: Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Soil Description: Moist, rich soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract bumblebees, hawkmoths and hummingbirds.
Warning: Plants of the
genus Aconitum are poisonous to humans and animals if ingested. Roots, young leaves, and seeds are said to be especially toxic. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary in a plant according to season, the plant’s different parts, and its stage of growth; and plants can absorb toxic substances, such as herbicides, pesticides, and pollutants from the water, air, and soil.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
2007-01-01
