Cowbane, Mackenzie's water hemlock

Cicuta virosa

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

Northern and central Europe, including Britain, east to Japan.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Antispasmodic Emetic Epilepsy Galactofuge Sedative 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].

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].