Monkshood (Aconitum columbiana)

Monkshood is a very deadly plant that grows in moist habitats in much of western Canada and U.S. The flowers are typically blue, but occasionally white or yellowish flowers occur. The leaves are the most toxic part of the plant. Poisoning symptoms include weakness, abdominal pain and nausea. Eventually respiratory paralysis occurs. A fatal dose for an average dog is 0.2 ounces (5 grams) and horses are killed by doses as small as 12 ounces (350 grams). Photo was taken from East Peak in the Wallowa Mountains of Oregon at timberline. Typically this is a plant of much lower elevations.