Seasonal Wild Flowers

Hemlock Water-dropwort

Oenanthe crocata

Apiaceae

May to August

It is found throughout the west of the country, the South

and the Southeast. It is patchy and scattered elsewhere.

See the BSBI distribution map for Hemlock Water-dropwort

It grows beside most types of fresh water and in shallow

water.

Hemlock Water-dropwort is a native, tuberous, perennial

herb, growing up to 1.5m and forming dense stands.

Umbels are up to 10cm across.

Flowers are 2mm across with unequal, white, notched

petals.

Fruits are cylindrical with 2 prominent styles.

Leaves are up to 30cm and 3-4 pinnate.

Stems are hollow and ridged.

It is very poisonous to man and other animals.

Hemlock Water-dropwort stand

Flowering umbels

Close-up of umbel - ridged stem

Flowers showing anthers

Flowers showing stamens and ovules

Fruits with persistent styles

Leaves