Columbian monkshood

Aconitum columbianum

Physical Characteristics

Aconitum columbianum is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from July to August. The flowers are pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

North-western N. America - Alaska to California.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Nervine Parasiticide Sedative The drug 'aconite' can be obtained from the root of this plant[212]. It is used as a heart and nerve sedative[212]. This is a very poisonous plant and should only be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

Known Hazards

The whole plant is highly toxic - simple skin contact has caused numbness in some people. The roots and seeds are the most toxic and also the leaves just before the plant flowers[212]. Available information suggests that Aconitum columbianum is probably not one of the extremely toxic aconites[270].