Safety note: Extremely toxic — considered the most violently poisonous plant in North America. Roots can cause fatal seizures; do not handle.
Spotted Water Hemlock is a tall wetland plant in the carrot family with purple-mottled hollow stems and compound white flower clusters. The roots and stems contain cicutoxin, a potent neurotoxin that can kill a human or large animal within hours of ingestion. The flowers superficially resemble elderberry and Queen Anne's lace, making misidentification dangerous.
Habitat
Wetland margins, stream banks, and wet meadows across North America
Diet
Flowers visited by many generalist insects, including bees and flies
How common
Common
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