Root
Cowbane
Cicuta virosa L. · northern water hemlock, water hemlock · Polish: Szalej jadowity
Deadly poisonous
How to identify it
- Tuber-like, swollen rhizome, divided inside by cross-walls into hollow chambers (visible when cut).
- The rhizome looks, smells and tastes (sweetish) like celeriac.
- Stem hollow.
- White flowers in domed, hemispherical compound umbels; flowers from June to August.
Where it grows
Wetlands and the edges of water bodies.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Szalej jadowity
- PSSE Szczytno: Te rośliny omijaj z daleka – są trujące (19.07.2023)
- ANSES: Edible and toxic plants – avoid confusion when picking
Last checked: 9 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Write to us.