Aconitum Species, Columbian Monkshood, Western Monkshood, Aconite
Aconitumcolumbianum

Family: Ranunculaceae (ra-nun-kew-LAY-see-ee)
Genus: Aconitum (a-kon-EYE-tum)
Species: columbianum (kol-um-bee-AH-num)

Synonym:Aconitum bakeri

Synonym:Aconitum geranioides

Synonym:Aconitum glaberrimum

Synonym:Aconitum leibergii

Synonym:Aconitum lutescens

Category
Alpines and Rock Gardens

Water Requirements
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Herbaceous

Foliage Color

Height
12-18 in. (30-45 cm)
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)

Spacing
9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

Hardiness
USDA Zone 2a: to -45.5 °C (-50 °F)
USDA Zone 2b: to -42.7 °C (-45 °F)
USDA Zone 3a: to -39.9 °C (-40 °F)
USDA Zone 3b: to -37.2 °C (-35 °F)
USDA Zone 4a: to -34.4 °C (-30 °F)
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested

Bloom Color
Medium Blue
Blue-Violet

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall

Other details

Soil pH requirements
5.6 to 6.0 (acidic)
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
From seed; direct sow outdoors in fall
From seed; winter sow in vented containers, coldframe or unheated greenhouse
From seed; stratify if sowing indoors

Seed Collecting
Allow pods to dry on plant; break open to collect seeds