Greater water-parsnip  (Sium latifolium)

Learn about the scientific name of this species and how it fits into the tree of life at Nature Navigator.

Description

Greater water-parsnip is an upright plant, with a very robust appearance. The stem is hollow and grooved; the leaves, which can grow to 30cm, have stalks, which are also hollow and clasp the main stem. The plant is bright green and hairless. The flowers are white, measure about four millimetres across, and are carried on an umbel, characteristic of this family of plants. One of the alternative English names for this plant is water hemlock, as it bears a close resemblance to hemlock Conium maculatum often found growing on wet meadows and banksides.

WARNING: this plant is also deadly poisonous and contact with it should be avoided at all times.

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