Water hemlock

Water Hemlock (Cicuta) is a genus of four species of highly toxic plants in the family Apiaceae. They are perennial, herbaceous plants which grow in wet, marshy environments across much of the Northern Hemisphere.

Description

Water hemlock plants are characterized by their large size, often reaching 2-2.5 meters in height. They have smooth, hollow stems, and leaves that are finely divided and feather-like. The plants produce small, white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters, a characteristic feature of the Apiaceae family. The roots of water hemlock plants contain multiple chambers filled with a yellowish, poisonous liquid.

Toxicity

Water hemlock is considered one of the most toxic plants in North America. The toxic compound in water hemlock is cicutoxin, a potent neurotoxin. When ingested, cicutoxin disrupts the central nervous system, leading to symptoms such as seizures, delirium, and respiratory failure. In severe cases, ingestion of water hemlock can be fatal.

Distribution and habitat

Water hemlock species are native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are commonly found in wet habitats, such as marshes, wet meadows, and along the banks of streams and rivers.

Species

The genus Cicuta comprises four species:

• Cicuta bulbifera – Bulblet-bearing water hemlock
• Cicuta douglasii – Western water hemlock
• Cicuta maculata – Spotted water hemlock
• Cicuta virosa – European water hemlock

See also

• List of poisonous plants
• Cicutoxin
• Apiaceae

References

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