Western Waterhemlock
Apiaceae (Parsley family)
Growth Habit: Perennial plant native to the intermountain region. Grows between 3 and 7 feet tall.
Stem: Generally swollen at the base.
Leaves: Alternate, one per node, toothed, and pinnately divided. Leaf veins terminate at the bottom of th elead serrations distinguish this from Poison Hemlock.
Flowers: small, white, clustered. Clusters are mostly flat on top. Each flower is two seeded.
Seeds: Somewhat kidney-shaped with corky ridges and tea-colored.
Root: Horizontally divided, enlarged taproot is the most easily recognized feature of this plant.
Other: Western Waterhemlock is considered one of the most poisonous plants in North America. All parts of this plant are poisonous, however the syrup-like substance found in the root system is most poisonous to both humans and animals and should be avoided at all costs.