Species Spotted Water Hemlock
white flowers with green-white buds, green leaves and stems

Spotted Water Hemlock

Cicuta maculata var. angustifolia

Also Known As - Spotted Cowbane
Spotted Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata var. angustifolia) is a perennially growing plant found in wet habitats throughout the United States, such as ditches, streams, and drainages. The stems are erect and can reach up to 6 feet in height, with a stout, hollowed-out center and willow-like toothed leaves. The foliage is mottled with purplish-pink spots, giving the plant its common name. The flowers are fragrant and grow in branched clusters, and can be yellowish, pinkish, or whitish, depending on local climate. All parts of the plant are toxic and can cause severe reactions when ingested. Spotted Water Hemlock is an attractive plant, but should be handled with caution.

Watering:

Frequent

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Poisonous To Humans:

Yes

Poisonous To Pets:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Extreme

watering

Water Douglas' Water Hemlock often enough to keep the soil moist. This is especially important during the summer when the plant is actively growing. During these hot months, water the Douglas Water Hemlock 1-2 times a week. In cooler months, such as spring and autumn, water the plant less often. Aim to water the soil every 10-14 days. Make sure to check the soil to ensure it isn't overly moist and watch out for signs of overwatering such as yellowing leaves. In winter, Douglas' Water Hemlock should only be watered once a month.

sunlight

Douglas' Water Hemlock is a flowering plant that grows best in full sun and in moist soil. This plant is native to western North America, where it can be found in close proximity to bodies of water in fields, meadows, rivers, and marshes. It prefers full sun from late morning to late afternoon but can tolerate some shade and still grow. In general, when growing Douglas' Water Hemlock, ensure that it gets about 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day to ensure healthy growth and flowering. This can vary depending on the season, with more sun hours required in the summer months and fewer hours in the winter.

pruning

For most healthy Douglas' Water Hemlock (Cicuta douglasii (de)) plants, pruning should be done every 1-2 years. Pruning should be done in early summer or early autumn, when the plant is actively growing. When pruning, focus on removing any dead or damaged branches, as well as any overly long or leggy growth. This will help keep the plant shaped and tidy, and also open up areas where new healthy growth can occur. Finally, shorten the stems that remain after pruning to help maintain a neat and even shape.

⚠️ Perenual and its members cannot be held liable for any health issues that may arise from the information provided on the website or from using any of the plants found on the site. The information provided is intended to be used as general guidelines only.