Cicuta maculata thrives best when it receives full sunlight for a substantial part of the day, ideally around 6 to 8 hours. Ensuring that it gets ample light will promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Spotted water hemlock (Cicuta maculata)

Also known as: Spotted cowbane, Poison parsley, Musquash root, Suicide root, Beaver poison

Spotted Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) is distinct from the poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) that famously killed Socrates. Despite this, spotted water hemlock remains one of the deadliest plants to humans. It contains a toxin called cicutoxin, which can lead to severe symptoms such as convulsions, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, seizures, and delirium.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Spotted water hemlock

Lifespan

Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1 m to 1.5 m

Spread

30 cm to 60 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Spotted water hemlock

Quickly Identify Spotted water hemlock

Hollow stems with purple stripes, reaching 2 feet (60 cm) tall.

Leaves doubly divided, veins end at notches, bright green color.

Compound umbels with dome-shaped umbellets, fragrant tiny flowers.

Smooth ovoid schizocarp with paired seeds, 0.25 inches (6 mm) long.

Cross-partitions at stem nodes, purple mottled appearance, distinctive texture.

Scientific Classification of Spotted water hemlock

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Apiales

Family

Umbellifers

Genus

Water hemlocks

Species

Spotted water hemlock

Planting and Growing of Spotted water hemlock

Care Difficulty

Hard

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Spotted water hemlock?

For Cicuta maculata, it is important to ensure the soil is consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water generously, allowing approximately 250 ml, until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot. This helps mimic the plant's natural habitat in wetlands, providing sufficient water without causing root rot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Spotted water hemlock? ›

What should I do if my Spotted water hemlock is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Spotted water hemlock? ›

How to save an overwatered Spotted water hemlock? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Spotted water hemlock?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Cicuta maculata ideally enjoys partial to full sun conditions. Adequate lighting ensures robust health, strong stem development, and optimal foliage coloration, enhancing its aesthetic and physiological vitality.

Ideal Light Exposure ›

Solutions for Ideal Light ›

Benefits of Ideal Lighting ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Spotted water hemlock?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

Cicuta maculata thrives best in environments where temperatures are consistently between 65°F and 75°F. This range provides the warmth needed for optimal metabolic processes and overall health, ensuring robust growth and development.

What Soil is Best for Spotted water hemlock?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy soil, Peat soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Cicuta maculata thrives best in soils with good moisture retention. This requirement ensures the plant receives a steady supply of water, preventing dehydration and supporting its lush growth. This plant requires well-drained soil to thrive. Proper drainage prevents waterlogging, which can lead to root rot, ensuring the plant remains healthy and robust. Having nutrient-rich soil is vital for Cicuta maculata as it supports its vigorous growth and provides essential minerals necessary for healthy foliage and root development.

How to Fertilize Spotted water hemlock?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Cicuta maculata, it is crucial not to overdo it. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength, approximately 1/4 cup per gallon of water. This plant grows in nutrient-rich marsh areas, so mimic these conditions sparingly.

How to Prune Spotted water hemlock?

Pruning Time: Summer, Autumn

Begin by disinfecting your pruning shears to prevent disease spread. Identify dead or damaged stems and cut them back to the main stem to improve air circulation and light penetration. Trim the plant to maintain its natural form, making cuts at a slight angle just above a growth node to encourage new growth. If your Cicuta maculata starts spreading too aggressively, trim lower branches and any runaway stems to manage its spread. The goal is to keep it tidy and under control, avoiding overcrowding. Periodically inspect the plant and clip any awkward or misshapen parts.

How to Propagate Spotted water hemlock plant?

Propagate Time: Late spring, Early summer

Harvest seeds from mature Cicuta maculata plants in the late summer. Ensure seeds are dry and clean before storage or planting.

Sow the seeds evenly on the surface of the moistened potting soil in seed trays, pressing them gently into the soil, but not covering them completely as they need light for germination.

Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Use a fine mist sprayer to avoid displacing the seeds. Place trays in a location with indirect sunlight.

How to Repot Spotted water hemlock plant?

Repotting frequency: Once every two years

Look for signs like roots emerging from drainage holes, stunted growth, or a dense root ball. These are indicators that your Cicuta maculata needs repotting. Ideally, repot during the active growing seasons of spring or autumn to minimize stress and encourage healthy growth.

Select a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one, preferably made of materials like terracotta or ceramic for better moisture regulation. Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can be detrimental to Cicuta maculata's delicate roots.

Opt for a soil mix that retains moisture yet drains well, such as a blend with peat, compost, and sand. This combination prevents root rot while keeping the plant adequately hydrated and supported, essential for Cicuta maculata's health.

Toxicity of Spotted water hemlock

Is Spotted water hemlock toxic to humans?

Spotted water hemlock is highly toxic when consumed, and may lead to death. The poison present in every part of the plant is swiftly absorbed into the body, affecting the brain's inhibitory neurons and resulting in convulsions and respiratory collapse. Ingesting any portion of spotted water hemlock frequently proves fatal. Tragically, some children have lost their lives after merely sucking on the stems. Symptoms associated with spotted water hemlock poisoning include fever, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, convulsions, seizures, muscle spasms, dilated pupils, and respiratory complications. This plant thrives in marshy regions across the United States and is often confused with parsnips.

Is Spotted water hemlock toxic to cat?

The spotted water hemlock poses a significant toxic threat to cats, and its consumption can result in a life-threatening medical emergency. This plant lacks a bitter flavor, which contributes to the risk of animals consuming it in large quantities. The toxins from this plant can trigger rapid onset of symptoms, such as cardiac distress, diarrhea, dilated pupils, labored breathing, seizures, and potentially fatal outcomes. If you think your cat may have ingested even a tiny amount of spotted water hemlock, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately.

Is Spotted water hemlock toxic to dog?

Spotted water hemlock poses a significant toxicity risk to dogs, necessitating prompt veterinary intervention if you believe your dog has ingested any portion of this plant. Every part of the spotted water hemlock is laden with perilous levels of cicutoxin, which can lead to catastrophic organ failure when consumed in large amounts. Typical symptoms associated with mild or moderate cicutoxin poisoning include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and respiratory distress. In extreme situations, the consequences can escalate to paralysis, coma, or even death.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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