DeadlyDo not eat
Water hemlock
Cicuta maculata
The most violently toxic plant in Indiana wetlands. Chambered root, purple-streaked stems.
- Marks
- Chambered yellow root; vein to leaf notch; wet feet
- Size
- 3–6 ft
- Habitat
- Seeps, ditches, and wet meadows along Laughery Creek.
- Season
- June–August bloom.
- Frequency
- uncommon
A perennial of wet ground. Leaves are twice-compound with toothed leaflets and a vein that ends in the notch between teeth. The taproot is chambered and smells like parsnip. White umbels.
If this is the one
A bite of the root can kill. Seizures come fast. This is not a wild parsnip or carrot.
Ingestion is an emergency. Call 911 immediately. Protect the person from injury during seizures.
Lookalikes
Poison hemlock
Conium maculatum
Purple-splotched hollow stems, lacy leaves, white umbels. Deadly. Do not touch your mouth after handling.
DeadlyDo not eat