water hemlock

noun

: a tall poisonous Eurasian perennial herb (Cicuta virosa) of the carrot family

also : any of several poisonous North American plants (especially Cicuta maculata and C. douglasii) of the same genus compare poison hemlock

Examples of water hemlock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ingesting even small amounts of water hemlock can lead to seizures, respiratory failure and death. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2024

One of the most dangerous plants in Arizona is water hemlock, also known as cowbane. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2024

Last summer, park officials in Dallas responded to toxic water hemlock spotted around White Rock Lake. —Noor Adatia, Dallas News, 3 June 2023

Due to their similar names, the deadlier western water hemlock is sometimes confused with poison hemlock. —Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 30 June 2021

Convulsions are a common sign of western water hemlock poisoning, although convulsions have been reported in poison hemlock poisoning. —Camille Fine, USA TODAY, 30 June 2021

Here is a link with pictures of hemlock and the water hemlock for your review. —oregonlive, 29 May 2022

Environmental scientists confirmed that poison hemlock and spotted water hemlock were located in Sussex County wetlands, according to a news release from the agency. —From Usa Today Network and Wire Reports, USA TODAY, 8 July 2021

Western water hemlock, meanwhile, has a feather-like appearance with a bulbous root. —oregonlive, 29 June 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

water hemlock

noun

: a tall poisonous Eurasian perennial herb of the genus Cicuta (C. virosa) that is locally abundant in marshy areas or along streams

also : any of several poisonous North American plants of the genus Cicuta (as spotted cowbane)