Spotted Water Hemlock
Cicuta maculata
- Native to:
- Canada, Mexico, Prince Edward I., United States, Virgin Islands
iNaturalist: © ccantley (iNaturalist #125655552)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Apiaceae
- Genus:
- Cicuta
- Species:
- Cicuta maculata
- USDA Symbol:
- CIMA2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Biennial | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 180 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★★★☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★★☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Agonopterix clemensella, bird's-foot borer (Papaipema birdi), Depressaria cinereocostella, Depressaria juliella, Epermenia cicutaella, Anise Swallowtail (Papilio zelicaon), Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Reported Fauna Sightings
Butterflies:Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, wet, organic soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in marshes and wetlands
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require cold stratification for 60-90 days; sow in fall or stratify artificially.
Where to Buy
Nationwide Seller
- Prairie Moon Nursery (nursery and seeds)