Apiaceae
Parsley Family
Spotted water hemlock
Cicuta maculata L.
- Stem: perennial; 3’ to 5’ tall; branching above; streaked with purple spots; smooth.
- Leaves: alternate; twice compound; blade 8” by 10”; leafstalk about 6” long, clasping the stem; leaflets with toothed margins; smooth above and below.
- Inflorescence: compound umbels on flower stalks from the upper leaf axils; about 20 rays per umbel, about 20 flowers per ray; umbels to 3” across.
- Flowers: petals white, 1/16” long; sepals 1/32” long; petals and sepals attached to the upper part of double ovary; flowering from early to late July.
- Fruits: two one-seeded fruits, 3/32” long, prominent oil tubes on the fruit wall; fruiting begins in mid-July.
- Habitat: frequent on wet to moist prairies.
- Notes: All parts of this plant are very poisonous if ingested.
- Bibliography from Biodiversity Heritage Library
- Vascular Plants of Iowa
Can be found in these counties:
