How much sun does Columbia Aconite need?

Columbia Aconite grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Columbia Aconite bloom?

Columbia Aconite blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Columbia Aconite native?

Columbia Aconite (Aconitum columbianum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Columbia Aconite toxic to dogs?

Yes. Columbia Aconite is listed as toxic to dogs by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Columbia Aconite toxic to cats?

Yes. Columbia Aconite is listed as toxic to cats by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Columbia Aconite toxic to livestock?

Columbia Aconite is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

What pollinators does Columbia Aconite attract?

Columbia Aconite draws bees and hummingbirds.

Is Columbia Aconite HOA-friendly?

Columbia Aconite takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Columbia Aconite

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Aconitum columbianum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Columbia Aconite is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-20). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Columbia Aconite is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a moderate level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–60" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 12 more states

Pollinators

bees, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Madrean Archipelago

Columbia aconite is a tall perennial wildflower that produces distinctive hooded blue or purple flowers on upright stems during summer months. This moisture-loving plant thrives in partially shaded areas and dies back completely in winter, leaving no above-ground presence during dormancy.

In an HOA neighborhood

Columbia Aconite takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Extremely toxic plant unsafe around children and pets
Tall wildflower appearance looks unmanicured
Completely disappears in winter leaving bare spots

Wildlife value

The unique hooded flowers attract bees and hummingbirds during the summer blooming period. This native wildflower provides nectar for pollinators in shaded garden areas where few other flowering plants thrive.

Common questions

How much sun does Columbia Aconite need?: Columbia Aconite grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Columbia Aconite bloom?: Columbia Aconite blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Columbia Aconite native?: Columbia Aconite (Aconitum columbianum) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Columbia Aconite toxic to dogs?: Yes. Columbia Aconite is listed as toxic to dogs by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Columbia Aconite toxic to cats?: Yes. Columbia Aconite is listed as toxic to cats by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN) (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Columbia Aconite toxic to livestock?: Columbia Aconite is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (moderate severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Columbia Aconite attract?: Columbia Aconite draws bees and hummingbirds.
Is Columbia Aconite HOA-friendly?: Columbia Aconite takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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