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Description
Eleutherospermum Cicutarium, also known as water hemlock, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Apiaceae family. It is native to temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. It is considered one of the most poisonous plants in the world, containing cicutoxin, a highly toxic substance that affects the central nervous system.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Apiaceae |
| Genus | Eleutherospermum |
Appearance
Eleutherospermum Cicutarium can grow up to 1-2 meters tall and has hollow stems that are hairless and grooved. The leaves are compound, with toothed leaflets that are ovate, lanceolate, or oblong in shape. The flowers are small and white, forming clusters at the top of the stem. The plant blooms from May to July. The fruit is a dry, ribbed seed that is oval in shape.
Care Guide
Eleutherospermum Cicutarium prefers moist soils, with full sun or partial shade. It can grow in hardiness zones 4-9. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Plant in well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Full sun or partial shade is ideal.- Hardiness Zones: Can grow in zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Eleutherospermum Cicutarium is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects suck the sap from the plant, causing wilting and yellowing of the leaves.- Spider Mites: These pests can cause stunted growth and yellowing of the leaves.- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves, which can lead to defoliation.
Habitat
Eleutherospermum Cicutarium is commonly found in wet meadows, marshes, and along stream banks. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate flooding. It is native to temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Eleutherospermum Cicutarium poisonous?
A: Yes, it is considered one of the most poisonous plants in the world.
Q: What are the symptoms of cicutoxin poisoning?
A: Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, seizures, and respiratory failure.
Q: Can Eleutherospermum Cicutarium be used for medicinal purposes?
A: No, it is too toxic to be used medicinally.
Q: How can I identify Eleutherospermum Cicutarium?
A: Look for its tall, hollow stems, compound leaves with toothed leaflets, and small white flowers in clusters at the top of the stem.
Related Plants
– Conium maculatum (poison hemlock)- Cicuta maculata (water hemlock)- Aethusa cynapium (fool’s parsley)
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Eleutherospermum cicutarium (L.) Koso-Pol. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ELCI2- Michigan State University Extension. (n.d.). Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata). Retrieved from https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/water_hemlock_cicuta_maculata- Poisonous Plants of North Carolina. (n.d.). Water Hemlock. Retrieved from https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/eleutherospermum-cicutarium/
