water hemlock

noun

1. any of several poisonous plants belonging to the genus Cicuta, of the parsley family, as C. virosa of Europe, and C. maculata of North America, growing in swamps and marshy places.

water hemlock

noun

1. another name for cowbane

Word History and Origins

Origin of water hemlock¹

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

It is believed she ingested the tuber roots of the potentially-deadly water hemlock, also known as Cicuta.

From BBC

Feral horses, belonging to my grandfather, ran wild over thick banks of water hemlock, and there were more than a few rattlesnakes.

From Literature

We saw morning glory, alligator weed, water hemlock, arrow arum, elderberry flowers, black needlerush, rose mallow and a host of other wildflowers, all as interesting as the mythical flowers we came to see.

From New York Times

“Camping” can mean sun or snow, ticks or Zika-carrying mosquitos, poison ivy or water hemlock.

From US News

But he’s guilty of lacing her salad with poisonous water hemlock, which takes days to actually kill her.

From Los Angeles Times