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western water hemlock

Scientific Name: Cicuta douglasii

Family: Apiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Western Water Hemlock (Cicuta douglasii)

Cicuta douglasii, commonly known as Western water hemlock, is a perennial plant known for its extreme toxicity. It belongs to the Apiaceae (carrot) family and is found in wet environments across North America.

Considerations for Pets

  • Western water hemlock is described as "violently toxic," particularly affecting cattle.

Considerations for Children

  • Roots are considered poisonous.

Quirky Facts

  • The text includes an unusual reference to a "Seisa Seisa no Mi, Model: Western Water Hemlock," described as a zoan-class devil fruit.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cicuta douglasii (DC.) Coult. & Rose
  • Family: Apiaceae (Carrot family)
  • Common Names: Western water hemlock, Douglas' water-hemlock, Water Hemlock, Spotted Water Hemlock
  • Synonyms: Cicuta maculata (mentioned as potentially confusing but also listed as a synonym in the text)

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to the intermountain region and British Columbia.
  • Found in wet places such as marshes, streams, shallow water, and wet soils.
  • Widespread in wet areas, typically below 3000 ft.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Perennial plant reaching up to 2 meters in height.
  • Has small white flowers that grow in clusters.
  • Possesses a thick stem.
  • Leaves have veins.
  • Extremely poisonous herbaceous tall (to 1 m) perennial with pinnate leaves with 5-7 toothed leaflets

Toxicity

  • Considered "the most violently toxic plant that grows in North America" and one of the most poisonous plants for cattle.
  • Contains the toxin cicutoxin, which affects the central nervous system, causing grand mal seizures.
  • Tubers can induce excessive salivation, tremors, grand mal seizures, skeletal and cardiac myodegeneration.

Potential Confusion

  • May be confused with poison hemlock and water parsnip.

External Resources

  • USDA Plants Database
  • CalPhotos
  • WebMD