Scientific Name
Cicuta maculata
Common Name
Water hemlock, spotted water hemlock, spotted cowbane

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Apiaceae
Plant Description
Perennial herb with short tuberous roots and purple-striped or -mottled, hollow stems with cross-partitions at the nodes and many of these at the base of the stem; leaves alternate, clasping the stem, 2-3 pinnately divided, the leaflets with the veins ending in the notch between the teeth; flowers small, white, in umbrella-like clusters.
Origin
USA, NC.
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Forest or natural area in wet areas, pond, stream, or ditch banks.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
All parts; roots may be mistaken for wild parsnip or artichoke.
Symptoms
Muscle spasms, dilated pupils, dizziness, diarrhea, stomach pain, convulsions.
Toxic Principle
Cicutoxin and cicutol.
Severity
HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

Previous Species, Home, Next Species