Water Hemlock (Cicuta virosa) is a highly toxic perennial herbaceous plant found in wet meadows, marshes, and along the edges of streams and ponds. It is characterized by its hollow, branching stems, which can grow up to 2 meters tall, and its compound leaves that are finely divided. The plant produces small, white flowers arranged in umbrella-like clusters called umbels. Despite its toxicity, Water Hemlock plays a role in natural ecosystems by providing habitat and food for certain wildlife species. It is particularly important for wetland ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity by supporting specific insect and bird species. However, due to its poisonous nature, it is not suitable for use in agroecology or regenerative agriculture. Care should be taken to correctly identify and avoid this plant in natural farming settings to prevent accidental poisoning of humans and livestock.
Growing Details
Water Hemlock thrives in wet, marshy environments and requires consistently moist soil. It is not suitable for cultivation due to its toxicity. In natural settings, it is important to ensure that the plant does not spread to areas accessible to humans and livestock. Soil should be rich in organic matter to support the surrounding ecosystem, and mulching can help retain moisture in its natural habitat.
Edible Parts
Tags
Attracts Wildlife Meadow
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Cicuta virosa</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Europe, Asia, and North America
applicable geo region: Temperate regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of Jun for 60 days
Harvest:
beginning
of August for 30 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(0/5)
edible uses:
Medicinal Rating:
(0/5)
medicinal uses:
health concerns: Water Hemlock is extremely toxic and can be fatal if ingested. All parts of the plant contain cicutoxin, which affects the central nervous system. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, seizures, and respiratory failure. It is crucial to avoid any contact or ingestion of this plant.
other uses:
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Cicuta virosa</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Cicuta virosa
common names: Cowbane; Northern Water Hemlock; European Wat
family: Apiaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Cicuta
Growing Conditions
area needed: 0.0 m
spacing: 0.0 m
growing difficulty: High
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC / 0ยฐC
water demands: High
humidity: High
light demands: Medium
root type: Medium
frost tender: Low
hardness:โโโโโโโโโโ(4/10)
first harvest: 0 years
life span: 0 years
succession: Mid
growth rate: Medium
max height: 2.0 m
max width: 0.5 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Water Hemlock thrives in wet, marshy environments and requires consistently moist soil. It is not suitable for cultivation due to its toxicity. In natural settings, it is important to ensure that the plant does not spread to areas accessible to humans and livestock. Soil should be rich in organic matter to support the surrounding ecosystem, and mulching can help retain moisture in its natural habitat.
Potential Disturbances: Water Hemlock is generally resistant to pests due to its toxicity. However, it can be affected by root rot in overly saturated soils. Maintaining proper water drainage in its natural habitat can help prevent this issue.
Growth Timeline
Recipes Using This Plant
Animals Interacting With This Plant
Permanent Link
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