Aconitum columbianum is a species of flowering plant in the buttercup family known by the common names Columbian monkshood or western monkshood. This wildflower is native to western North America where it grows in riparian and other moist areas, in meadows and coniferous forests. It is found from in elevation. Description Aconitum columbianum is a tall spindly erect to scandent forb which is perennial from rhizomes. It has lobed or toothed leaves and long stems with far-spaced flowers. The folded, wrinkly flowers are often deep blue or purple, but may also be white or yellowish, and they usually have a spur. The fruits are pod-like follicles. Like other monkshoods (Aconitum species), this plant is poisonous to humans and livestock, although some species have been used to make drugs. Subspecies Subspecies and varieties include: Aconitum columbianum ssp. columbianum Aconitum columbianum var. howellii — Howell's monkshood Aconitum columbianum ssp. viviparum References External links Jepson Manual Treatment of Aconitum columbianum CalFlora Database: Aconitum columbianum Aconitum columbianum — U.C. Photo gallery columbianum Flora of the Western United States Flora of British Columbia Flora of California Flora of Colorado Flora of New Mexico Flora of the Rocky Mountains Flora of the Sierra Nevada (United States) Flora of the West Coast of the United States Natural history of the California Coast Ranges Plants described in 1838 Flora without expected TNC conservation status