How to identify Spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

How to identify Spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

Spotted water hemlock, also known as Spotted cowbane, Poison parsley, Musquash root, Suicide root, Beaver poison

Spotted water hemlock is characterized by its distinctive, hollow stems that can grow to a notable height, often exhibiting purple stripes or spots. The stems have nodes with intersecting partitions, particularly amassed at the base. Its growth pattern is perennial, with a root system featuring short, tuber-like structures. The leaves of spotted water hemlock demonstrate a notable arrangement, alternately clasping the stem and displaying a 2-3 pinnate division. Leaflets are finely chiseled, and the veins peculiarly terminate at the notches between the teeth, a trait crucial for differentiating spotted water hemlock from its relatives in the Carrot family.

Lifespan: Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Spotted water hemlock

Hollow stems with purple stripes, reaching 2 feet (60 cm) tall.

Leaves doubly divided, veins end at notches, bright green color.

Compound umbels with dome-shaped umbellets, fragrant tiny flowers.

Smooth ovoid schizocarp with paired seeds, 0.25 inches (6 mm) long.

Cross-partitions at stem nodes, purple mottled appearance, distinctive texture.

Detailed Traits of Spotted water hemlock

Leaf Features

The leaves of spotted water hemlock are compound and can reach up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) in length. They are doubly divided with veins ending at notches between the teeth, and the overall texture is smooth. The upper leaves are slightly smaller. Individual leaflets measure up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1 1/4 inches (3 cm) wide. The leaves exhibit a bright green color and are attached to an erect, highly branched stem.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of spotted water hemlock are tiny, measuring about 1/8 inch (3 mm) each. They are arranged in compound umbels that can be up to 6 inches (15 cm) across, with each umbel containing 10-20 dome-shaped umbellets. Each umbellet can hold up to 15 flowers. The flowers are characterized by their slight fragrance and delicate arrangement, forming a striking and detailed pattern that is crucial for identification.

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Stem Features

The stem of spotted water hemlock is characterized by its purple-striped or mottled appearance, with a hollow structure and cross-partitions at the nodes. These stems often have many partitions at the base, providing a distinct texture. They may also feature longitudinal veins that run along the length. Typically, the thickness can vary, but the purple stripes and partitions make the stem easily identifiable. The stems can reach up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height. This combination of features is crucial for correctly identifying spotted water hemlock.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of spotted water hemlock is a small, dry schizocarp consisting of two joined carpels, typically measuring about 0.25 inches (6 mm) in length. Given that the fruit does not split open upon ripening, it retains its seeds inside until dispersed. Each carpel houses a single seed, resulting in a pair of seeds per fruit, which is a distinctive trait. The surface texture is smooth, and the overall shape is ovoid with slight ribbing. The color of the mature fruit transitions to a brownish hue as the season progresses.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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