Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Ranunculaceae · Type: Herb · Native
Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum is a native California herb in the Ranunculaceae family, recognized by 2 sympatric subspecies; key difference is presence of bulblets in leaf axils.
Columbia monkshood is a California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges, northern California Ranges, and northern Sierra Nevada in streambanks, moist areas, meadows, and conifer forests at elevations of 900 to 2,500 meters. Flowering from July to September, this plant produces deep blue to purple flowers in distinctive hooded clusters characteristic of monkshood species. Growing with erect stems 50 to 150 centimeters tall, it forms clumps with multiple flowering stalks emerging from a robust root system. Its leaves are deeply divided into broad, palmately lobed segments, with 5 to 7 pointed leaflets arranged in a fan-like pattern. The plant contains potent alkaloids, making it toxic to both humans and animals if ingested.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 2 sympatric subspecies; key difference is presence of bulblets in leaf axils
Habitat and range
Habitat: Streambanks, moist areas, meadows, conifer forest
Elevation: 900-2500 m
California counties: Siskiyou, El Dorado, Trinity, Alpine, Del Norte, Humboldt, Calaveras
Outside California: Oregon
Bloom period
Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum blooms Jul-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Delphinium: Aconitum's top sepal forms a closed hood hiding stamens; Delphinium's top sepal extends into an open spur with visible stamens.; vs Consolida: Aconitum has a completely enclosed hood-shaped top sepal; Consolida has an open backward-pointing spur.
Frequently asked questions
Is Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum native to California?
Yes. Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum bloom?
Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum blooms Jul-Sep.
Where in California does Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum grow?
Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum occurs in Siskiyou, El Dorado, Trinity, Alpine, Del Norte, Humboldt, Calaveras, at elevations of 900-2500 m.
What plant family does Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum belong to?
Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum is in the Ranunculaceae family, genus Aconitum.
What habitat does Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum grow in?
Aconitum columbianum subsp. viviparum grows in Streambanks, moist areas, meadows, conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.