Ranunculaceae

Aconitum columbianum

Monkshood

Erect, occasionally twining or reclining. Stem not branched, may have bulblets in axils with leaves. Leaves 1–7 in. long, 2–6 in. wide, maple-like, divided into 3–7 lobes, toothed or lobed again. Flowers on upper 12–25 in. of stems, dark purple to blue, white, or yellow-green, with top petal-like sepal folded down to make a hood that conceals center of flower, which includes 2 petals and many stamens. Grows in moist to wet areas along streams, in seeps, meadows, often among bushes, at mid to high elevations. Toxic and can cause death if eaten.

• Rarity: Locally Common
• Flowering Time: Late Summer
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Height: 3--7 ft
• Habitat: Meadow, West-Side Forest, Subalpine
• Found In: Wallowas, Steens, Siskiyous, Mt. Rainier Np, N Cascades Np, Crater Lake Np
• Native: Yes