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Cicuta_virosa - L.

Common Name Cowbane, Mackenzie's water hemlock
Family Apiaceae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards A very poisonous plant[10, 13, 19], even a small bite can be lethal[65]. The active ingredient is called cicutoxin, it is a spasmodic with a high toxicity to the central nervous system. It causes death by respiratory paralysis[240].
Habitats Ditches, shallow muddy waters and marshes[9, 13, 17].
Range Northern and central Europe, including Britain, east to Japan.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (0 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Moist Soil Wet Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Cicuta_virosa Cowbane, Mackenzie


Cicuta_virosa Cowbane, Mackenzie

 

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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Cicuta_virosa is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

One report says that the boiled leaves have been eaten[257]. This is very unwise, see the notes above on toxicity.

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The root is analgesic, antispasmodic, emetic, galactofuge and sedative[4, 9]. The whole plant is highly toxic and is not used in herbal medicine[9]. A homeopathic remedy has been made from this plant in the past[9]. It was used in the treatment of epilepsy, meningitis and other ailments affecting the brain[9].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a moist or wet acid soil[13].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - sow spring or autumn in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in the summer. If you have sufficient seed, outdoor sowings in situ could be tried in the spring and the autumn.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Georgia, Russian Federation-Western Siberia (Western Siberia), Russian Federation-Eastern Siberia (Eastern Siberia), Kazakhstan (east), Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Russian Federation (Primorye, Kamcatskij kraj, Sakhalin), China (Gansu Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Heilongjiang Sheng, Jilin Sheng, Liaoning Sheng, Nei Mongol Zizhiqu, Shaanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu), Japan (Hokkaidô, Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku) TROPICAL ASIA: India (Jammu and Kashmir) NORTHERN AMERICA: Canada (Northwest Territories (southwest), Yukon, Ontario (north), Québec (northwest), Alberta, British Columbia (north), Manitoba (north), Saskatchewan (north)), United States (Alaska) EUROPE: Denmark, Finland, United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Russian Federation (European part), Belarus, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Greece, Croatia, Italy (north), Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, France

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Cicuta virosaCowbane, Mackenzie's water hemlockPerennial1.2 0-0  LMHSNMWe11 

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

L.

Botanical References

17

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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Subject : Cicuta_virosa  
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