Connecticut Plants
Water-hemlock (Spotted Cowbane)
Cicuta maculata
Despite the name "water hemlock," this plant is not related to true hemlocks, but rather to poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). Another name is "spotted cowbane," because its stems are sometimes spotted or streaked with purple, and it is deadly cows. It is also highly poisonous to humans.
- Family: carrot (Apiaceae)
- Habitat: wet meadows, swamps, thickets
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Flower size: tiny flowers in umbels 3 inches across
- Flower color: white
- Flowering time: June to September
- Origin: native


