Alternate name: Hemlock Water Parsnip

Family: Apiaceae, Carrot view all from this family

Description Native perennial. Fragrant. Height: 2-6'. Habit: stout & erect, with single smooth stem, alternately branched. Leaf: pinnately-divided into narrow, sharply-toothed leaflets up to 3/4" wide x 2" long. Flower: compound umbel, 1-5" diameter, of small off-white flower clusters. Fruit: dry ribbed oval containing 2 seeds. Fibrous roots.

Flower July-August.

Habitat Sunny marshes, wetlands, and shorelines.

Range With the exception of New Mexico and Oklahoma, found throughout the continental U.S.; Alaska; non-arctic Canada.

Discussion Very similar in appearance to the highly poisonous Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata). Water parsnip is an obligate wetland indicator throughout its American range. Also known as: hemlock water-parsnip.