This wildflower is native to western North America where it grows in riparian and other moist areas, in meadows and coniferous forests.

[1] Aconitum columbianum is an herbaceous perennial that grows from a large tuber-like root with a spindle shape.

[5] Aconitum columbianum was first scientifically described by Thomas Nuttall in 1838 in A flora of North America by Torrey and Gray.

[2][9] Aconitum columbianum grows throughout the western United States, from the west coast through the Rocky Mountains.

It is also reported to grow in Iowa,[10] Wisconsin, New York, and the Mexican states of Sonora and Chihuahua.

[11] Western monkshood is occasionally grown in gardens for its dramatic dark purple-blue blossoms.