​Water Hemlock, Spotted Cowbane, Beaver Poison,Cicuta maculate,Parsley/Carrot Family (Apiaceae)

Found in wet soil, marshes, ditches
Seen blooming in June by the Rio Chama

This is a Public Service Announcement! Do not touch any part of this plant because it is the “most violently toxic plant in North America” according to the USDA Agricultural Research Service. It is very similar in appearance to other members of the Parsley/Carrot family, some of which are edible or medicinal, so avoid all unless you are an expert. It grows from two to seven feet tall with stout, hollow stems. Leaves are divided into toothed, lance-shaped leaflets. Distinguishing features of the Water Hemlock are the prominent veins in the leaflets that end in the notches between the teeth and the purplish spots at the base of the stem where it meets the ground. Flower clusters of tiny, white flowers are 3" to 6" across. All parts of the plant are toxic, particularly the root. Browsing livestock can easily pull a root from the soil when browsing new green growth. A single section of root can kill a cow, hence the common name of Cowbane. Despite its toxicity it was used by Native Americans as an insecticide, for sterility if ingested, ceremonially, to help with broken bones and bruises, and as a poison for hunting. Source.
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