Scientific name: Oenanthe crocata L.
Common name: Hemlock Water-dropwort
Description
Habit: An erect, very poisonous perennial, to 1.5 m high.
Stems: Stout, hollow, grooved.
Roots: Tuberous, spindle-shaped; sap from the roots turns yellow when exposed to air.
Leaves: 3-pinnate, large, triangular; leaflets oblong to oval with 2-3 angular lobes.
Flowers: White, in large terminal umbels, with 15-25 long and slender rays, umbel stalk longer than the rays; bracts and bracteoles present; petals 5, free; stamens 5; ovary inferior and 2-celled.
Fruits: A schizocarp, 4-5.5 mm.
Habitat: Riversides, lake-shores, ditches and streams.
Distribution: Frequent in south, rare elsewhere.
Native status: Native
Of conservation interest: No