Columbian Monkshood
(Aconitum columbianum)
Columbian Monkshood (Aconitum columbianum)
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Walter Siegmund (talk)
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Walter Siegmund (talk)
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Walter Siegmund (talk) | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Wsiegmund | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Aconitum_columbianum_6017.JPG | Notes: ===Author=== Alexander Dunkel ===Batch=== Picture taken with Olympus 740 UltraZoom. ===License=== {{self|cc-by-sa-2.5}} [[Category:Trees]] |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aconitum columbianum, commonly known as Columbian Monkshood, is a deciduous perennial herb native to moist meadows, streambanks, and the understory of montane forests in the Western United States and British Columbia. It typically grows to a height of 2-6 feet (0.6-1.8 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). The plant has a distinctive appearance with lobed or toothed leaves and tall, erect to scandent stems that bear inflorescences of far-spaced flowers. The flowers, which bloom in summer and fall, are noteworthy for their unique shape and color; they are most commonly deep blue or purple, but can also be white or yellowish, and feature a characteristic spur. The fruit consists of pod-like follicles.
Columbian Monkshood is valued for its striking blue flowers and is used in gardens for vertical interest and as an accent plant in shaded areas. It requires consistently moist soil and can tolerate a range of drainage conditions. While it prefers full sun in cooler climates, in hotter regions, it benefits from part shade to prevent scorching. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, and it should be handled with care to avoid skin irritation. Due to its toxicity, it is not commonly used for culinary or medicinal purposes, although historically, some Aconitum species have been used in traditional medicine with extreme caution. Gardeners should be aware of its invasive potential in some areas and monitor its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Columbian Monkshood is valued for its striking blue flowers and is used in gardens for vertical interest and as an accent plant in shaded areas. It requires consistently moist soil and can tolerate a range of drainage conditions. While it prefers full sun in cooler climates, in hotter regions, it benefits from part shade to prevent scorching. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are highly toxic if ingested, and it should be handled with care to avoid skin irritation. Due to its toxicity, it is not commonly used for culinary or medicinal purposes, although historically, some Aconitum species have been used in traditional medicine with extreme caution. Gardeners should be aware of its invasive potential in some areas and monitor its spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 2-6 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Blue, White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Moist meadows, streambanks, and the understory of montane forests in the Western United States
Other Names
Common Names: Western Monkshood, Aconit Du Columbia
Scientific Names: , Aconitum columbianum, Aconitum columbianum var. columbianum, Aconitum patens, Aconitum lutescens, Aconitum ramosum, Aconitum porrectum, Aconitum vestitum, Aconitum obtusiflorum, Aconitum arizonicum
GBIF Accepted Name: Aconitum columbianum Nutt.