Water parsnip

Water Parsnip is a common name for several species of plants in the family Apiaceae. These plants are typically found in wet habitats and are native to various regions across the globe. The term "water parsnip" is often used to refer to species within the Sium, Berula, and Cicuta genera.

Description

Water parsnips are perennial plants that typically grow in wet, marshy areas. They have hollow stems and compound leaves that are usually pinnate or bipinnate. The flowers of water parsnip plants are small and white, arranged in compound umbels, a characteristic feature of the Apiaceae family.

Species

There are several species of plants that are commonly referred to as water parsnip. These include:

• Sium suave, also known as the hemlock water parsnip, is a species native to North America. It is a tall plant that can reach up to 2 meters in height and has white flowers that bloom in the summer.

• Berula erecta, commonly known as the lesser water parsnip, is a species found in Europe, Asia, and North America. It is a smaller plant, typically reaching heights of 60-120 cm.

• Cicuta virosa, also known as the cowbane or northern water hemlock, is a highly toxic species native to the northern hemisphere.

Uses

Water parsnip plants have been used for various purposes throughout history. Some species, such as Sium suave, have been used in traditional medicine for their purported medicinal properties. However, care must be taken as some species, particularly those in the Cicuta genus, are highly toxic and can be fatal if ingested.

See also

• Apiaceae
• Sium
• Berula
• Cicuta