Subalpine.  Woodlands, meadows, wetlands.  Summer.
Pass Creek Trail, Engineer Mountain, August 2, 2005.

This is a typical setting for Aconitum columbianum, buried in other plants that also enjoy wet roots.  The Corn-like leaves are those of Veratrum tenuipetalum, and the yellow Sunflower is Senecio triangularis.

Aconitum columbianum (Monkshood)
Synonym: Helleboraceae (Hellebore Family).  Ranunculaceae (Buttercup Family)

Subalpine.  Woodlands, meadows, wetlands.  Summer.
Upper Calico Trail, July 21, 2005.

Monkshood often is mistaken for its cousin Delphinium barbeyi; the two grow in similar moist habitats and both have broad, leafy, sometimes shrub-like growth, and very tall flower stalks.  Delphinium, though, reaches seven feet and Monkshood only five.  Monkshood flowers are most often intensely deep purple with a high arching hood.  Delphinium flowers range from inky blue through violet to purple and have a distinctive spur.  Delphinium is far more common but a discerning eye will often find Monkshood growing with Delphinium. The pictured plants are just over two feet tall and will grow another foot or two.   Notice the characteristic deeply incised leaves of Monkshood. 

Linnaeus named this species in 1753.  "Aconitum" is the classical Latin name and probably means "unconquerable poison", referring to the plant's toxicity.  "Columbianum" refers to the plant's American (Columbian) location.

Aconitum columbianum (Monkshood)
Synonym: Helleboraceae (Hellebore Family).  Ranunculaceae  (Buttercup Family)

Subalpine.  Woodlands, meadows, wetlands.  Summer.
Sharkstooth Trail, July 30, 2004.

Leaves of these five species are quite similar.

Range map © John Kartesz,
Floristic Synthesis of North America

State Color Key

Species present in state and native
Species present in state and exotic
Species not present in state

County Color Key

Species present and not rare
Species present and rare
Species extirpated (historic)
Species extinct
Species noxious
Species exotic and present
Native species, but adventive in state
Eradicated
Questionable presence

Range map for Aconitum columbianum