Flowering Months:
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Family:
Apiaceae (Carrot)
Also in this family:
Alexanders, Bladder-seed, Bur Chervil, Burnet-saxifrage, Cambridge Milk Parsley, Caraway, Common Hogweed, Coriander, Corky-fruited Water Dropwort, Corn Parsley, Cow Parsley, Cowbane, Creeping Marshwort, Cumin, Edible Carrot, False Thorow-wax, Field Eryngo, Fine-leaved Water Dropwort, Fool's Parsley, Fool's Watercress, Garden Angelica, Garden Parsley, Giant Fennel, Giant Hogweed, Great Pignut, Greater Burnet-saxifrage, Greater Water Parsnip, Ground Elder, Hartwort, Hemlock, Hog's Fennel, Honewort, Knotted Hedge Parsley, Lesser Marshwort, Lesser Water Parsnip, Longleaf, Masterwort, Milk Parsley, Moon Carrot, Parsley Water Dropwort, Pepper-saxifrage, Pignut, Pink Masterwort, River Water Dropwort, Rock Samphire, Rough Chervil, Sanicle, Scots Lovage, Sea Carrot, Sea Holly, Shepherd's Needle, Shrubby Hare's-ear, Siberian Hogweed, Slender Hare's-ear, Small Hare's-ear, Spignel, Spreading Hedge Parsley, Stone Parsley, Sulphurwort, Sweet Cicely, Thorow-wax, Tubular Water Dropwort, Upright Hedge Parsley, Whorled Caraway, Wild Angelica, Wild Carrot, Wild Celery, Wild Fennel, Wild Parsnip
Maximum Size:
125 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Ditches, grassland, marshes, meadows, mudflats, ponds, riverbanks, waterside, wetland.
Hemlock Water Dropwort produces umbels of white, five-petalled flowers arranged in loose, flat-topped clusters typical of the carrot family (Apiaceae). Flowering occurs from June to August, and each umbel can contain dozens of small flowers that are highly attractive to a wide range of pollinators, especially flies and solitary bees. The plant’s flowerheads can measure 5–10 cm across, and it typically grows in damp environments such as riverbanks, ditches, and marshy meadows, where it often forms dense colonies.
Fruit:
After flowering, Hemlock Water Dropwort develops small, ribbed, oval fruits, each splitting into two dry segments called mericarps. These ripen by late summer and are carried away short distances by water or animal movement. Although the fruits resemble those of many other umbellifers, they are highly toxic and should never be touched or ingested. The seeds contain potent toxins that remain active even when dried.
Leaves:
The leaves of Hemlock Water Dropwort are glossy, dark green, and pinnate, with each leaflet deeply divided into toothed or lobed segments. Lower leaves are usually 2–3 times pinnate and resemble flat-leaved parsley or celery, which can make the plant dangerously deceptive. Upper leaves become more finely divided and feathery as they ascend the stem. In spring, the basal rosette of lush green foliage appears early and is often one of the first plants to colonise wet ground.
Fragrance:
The plant has a strong and unpleasant odour, particularly when the leaves or stems are crushed. This smell is often described as musty, rank, or parsnip-like, and may be one of the few distinguishing features when compared with less toxic relatives. The roots emit a more pungent aroma that can persist in damp soil where the plant is established. The disagreeable scent serves as a natural warning sign and is typical of several highly poisonous species in the carrot family.
Other Names:
Balder Root, Ban Dock, Beldrum, Bendock, Bilders, Cowbane, Dead Tongue, Deadman's Cress, Dean's Fingers, Deathin, Eltrot, Five-fingered Root, Five-fingered Rot, Hemlock Dropwort, Hemlock Parsley, Hemlock Wort, Horsebane, Water Dropwort, Water Hemlock, Water Lovage, Water Sapwort, Wild Rue, Yellow Water Dropwort.
Frequency (UK):
Occasionally seen
Summary
Oenanthe crocata, commonly known as Hemlock Water-dropwort or Hemlock Parsley, is a species of flowering plant in the Apiaceae family. It is native to Europe and Asia and is found in wetlands, damp meadows and riverbanks. The species has a hollow stem and its flowers are white with a yellow center. It is poisonous and is often used in traditional medicine for treating a variety of ailments.
Blog
Hemlock Water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) is a poisonous plant native to Europe and Asia that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It grows in wet meadows, along rivers and ditches, and in other marshy areas.
The plant is easily recognizable by its fern-like leaves, white umbrella-shaped flowers, and carrot-like root. It can grow up to 1 meter in height, and its flowers bloom in the summer.
Despite its attractive appearance, Hemlock Water-dropwort is highly toxic to humans and animals. All parts of the plant contain a toxic alkaloid called oenanthotoxin, which can cause paralysis and death if ingested.
Symptoms of Hemlock Water-dropwort poisoning include tremors, convulsions, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, and death within hours of ingestion. There is no antidote for the poison, so it's essential to seek medical attention immediately if you suspect someone has consumed this plant.
In some cultures, Hemlock Water-dropwort was used for medicinal purposes, but its toxic nature made it dangerous to use. Today, it's widely regarded as a noxious weed and is often controlled or eradicated in areas where it grows.
It's important to note that Hemlock Water-dropwort can easily be mistaken for other edible plants such as wild parsnips or wild carrots, so it's crucial to properly identify plants before consuming them. In some cases, even livestock have been known to consume Hemlock Water-dropwort, resulting in death.
The plant is also a threat to wildlife and can lead to the decline of local ecosystems if left uncontrolled. For this reason, many land management agencies have programs in place to control or eliminate Hemlock Water-dropwort populations.
In some areas, the plant is used as a traditional remedy for various ailments, but the dangers of Hemlock Water-dropwort far outweigh any potential benefits. Modern medicine has many safer alternatives, and it's best to rely on these methods for treating health issues.
It's also important to be cautious of the spread of Hemlock Water-dropwort. The plant can easily spread through its seeds, which are dispersed by the wind or by water. It's essential to remove the plant and its roots before they have a chance to produce seeds.
In addition, it's crucial to educate others about the dangers of Hemlock Water-dropwort, especially if they live in areas where the plant is common. This can help prevent accidental ingestion and reduce the spread of the plant.
If you live in an area where Hemlock Water-dropwort is present, take steps to remove it and prevent its spread. Wear protective clothing and gloves when handling the plant, and dispose of it properly to avoid contaminating the soil or water.
It's also worth mentioning that Hemlock Water-dropwort is a prime example of why it's important to be mindful of the plants we encounter in our daily lives. Many plants, even those that are native to our area, can be toxic and pose a threat if not properly managed.
In some areas, Hemlock Water-dropwort has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments, but its toxic nature makes it a dangerous choice. It's essential to rely on modern medicine for the treatment of health issues, as these methods have been rigorously tested and have a proven track record of safety and efficacy.
It's important to be vigilant when it comes to toxic plants like Hemlock Water-dropwort, as they can have far-reaching consequences if not properly managed. By educating ourselves and others, we can help prevent accidental ingestion and reduce the spread of these dangerous plants.
In conclusion, Hemlock Water-dropwort is a beautiful but toxic plant that should be approached with caution. It's essential to be mindful of the plants we encounter in our daily lives and to take steps to control or eliminate dangerous plants like Hemlock Water-dropwort to protect ourselves and the environment. With proper education and preventative measures, we can help reduce the impact of these toxic plants and ensure a safer and healthier world for all.
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