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Water Hemlock 

Cicuta maculata

Native Perennial 

Poisonous 

Family: Apiaceae

Plant Attributes

•Cool season forb

•Adapted to moist locations

•Roots tuberous, exceptionally poisonous

•Toxin: Cicutoxin and cicutol

•Causes muscle spasms, dilated pupils, dizziness, stomach

pain, convulsions

•Very small amounts can cause death

Water hemlocks and the polyacetylenes they contain are

not distasteful, thus contributing to their ingestion by animals and

humans. In fact, it is reported that roots have a sweetish pleasant

taste and pleasant order contributing to their acceptability (Mitchell

and Routledge, 1978; Schep et al., 2009). Cattle readily eat new

growth water hemlock in the early spring, often without death losses

unless tubers or excess quantities of vegetative material are

ingested (K.E. Panter, personal observation).”

“It is well understood that water hemlock tubers are highly toxic to animals and to humans. However,

this is the first time that immature seed from (Cicuta maculata) has been implicated in livestock

poisoning. Nine mature Hereford cows from a herd of 81 died in northwestern Utah after ingesting

immature seed heads of water hemlock (Cicuta maculata) in late summer.”

 

Drought / Stress Tolerance

•Shade intolerant

•Drought intolerant

Grazing Tolerance

•One of the most toxic plants in North America

•Cattle especially at risk in comparison to all

livestock (roots easily pulled up)

Fire Tolerance

•Topkilled by fire