Common Water Hemlock

Common name: Common Water Hemlock (Spotted Cowbane)

Scientific name: Cicuta maculata

Dimensions:
  Flower: About 1/8" (4 mm) wide
  Plant height: 3-6' (90-180 cm)

Blooming period: July-September

Habitat: Wet meadows, thickets, bogs, swamps

Description: Small white flowers in compound umbrella-like clusters (umbels) 3-5" (7.5-12.5 cm) wide with 15-30 or more spokes; 5 petals, 5 stamens. Stem is smooth, stout and streaked with purple. Leaves are doubly or triply compound, up to 1' (30 cm) long, coarsely toothed and often reddish tinged. Compound leaves are alternate and become progressively smaller higher on the plant. Leaf veins end at notches between the teeth rather than at end of leaves. Poisonous if ingested even in small amounts. Carrot family. (August 1)