Hemlock water dropwort

Hemlock water dropwort facts

Scientific name: Oenanthe crocata

Family: Apiaceae

Origin: Native

Type: Perennial

Hemlock water dropwort and our canals

Found along the wet edges of our canals and rivers, this flowering plant from the carrot family is extremely toxic. While the leaves can smell of parsley or celery, all parts of the plant are poisonous and can be fatal to livestock and humans – although incidents are low. There are, however, a few insects that feed on hemlock water dropwort without feeling its adverse effects.

Although critically endangered in some parts of its natural habitat, it grows in abundance along our canals.

What does hemlock water dropwort look like?

Hemlock water dropwort is a tall plant with hollow stems, growing up to 1.5m. These stems branch into small white flowers, easily mistaken for cow parsley, water parsnip or water celery. Beneath the soil, the roots form long tubers.

Where to find hemlock water dropwort

Hemlock water dropwort favours damp grasslands and woodlands and grows along river, stream and canal banks.

When to see hemlock water dropwort

You’ll see the flat, spikey foliage of hemlock water dropwort from spring to autumn and the delicate white flowers in June and July.

Other plant species to look out for