Calling Luke Skywalker

Aconytum columbianum, July 5, 2022

Common & scientific name
Monkshood, Aconytum columbianum

Family
Buttercup, Ranunculaceae

Location
Upper Lost Man, 11,500’

Fun, weird, helpful, or little known fact
This large, water-loving plant is usually found packed in with other big boys like subalpine larkspur, triangle-leaved senecio, mountain bluebells, and willow, but its flowers will always distinguish it: miniature Darth Vader heads!  Don’t let the summer go by without taking a moment to delight in nature’s quirky concoction.