Western Monkshood

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Western Monkshood (Aconitum columbianum), also known as Columbian Monkshood, is a flowering plant in the buttercup family.

A handful of native Aconitum species (along with a couple of introduced species) grow in the United States. Western Monkshood has the broadest range, growing along streams and other wetland mountain areas throughout the West.

The side view of the flower in the top picture explains the common name. The top of the flower gives is a semblence of a monk's hood.

Flower color ranges from light to dark shades of purple. From a distance, the flower superficially resembles a larkspur. The bottom picture shows the generally lighter shade on the underside of the petals.

The entire plant is poisonous to both humans and animals.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels.