Minnesota Wildflowers


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Cicuta bulbifera (Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock)

Plant Info
Also known as:
Genus:Cicuta
Family:Apiaceae (Carrot)
Life cycle:perennial
Origin:native
Habitat:sun; swamps, along shores
Bloom season:July - September
Plant height:1 to 4 feet
USDA PLANTS database:Minnesota county distribution map
Spotted in Ramsey County at:

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Detailed Information

Flower: 5-petals flat

[photo of flowers] Flowers are in a flat-topped cluster about 2 inches across; each cluster has about 15 groups of 1/8 inch flowers. Individual flowers have 5 notched white petals, a greenish center, and 5 stamens. One plant has multiple clusters.

Leaves and stem: alternate compound

[photo of leaves] Leaves are compound with 3 or more very narrow blade-like leaflets. Leaflets are up to 3 inches long and have widely spaced teeth, but may be toothless. Attachment is alternate; leaflet attachment is opposite.

[photo of bulblets] Tiny bulblets form in the leaf joints in the upper part of the plant, and is where the plant gets its name.

Notes:

This plant is poisonous. The flower cluster is typical of members in the Carrot family, but the feathery leaves and spindly look of this plant distinguish it from others Carrots, such as Water Hemlock. The bulbs growing in the leaf axils are another distinguishing feature.

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Map of native plant purveyors in the upper midwest

More photos

Photos taken at Pioneer Park, Blaine, MN July-August 2007

Comments

Have you seen this plant in Minnesota, or have any other comments about it?

Posted by: Cindy J.
on: 2009-05-07 21:35:32

It came up along our shore of Hiner Pond once I killed the reed canary grass and hybrid cattails for a small restoration project. It's pretty in bloom, though someone from the Ramsey Conservation District thought I should get rid of it. What do you think?

Posted by: K. Chayka
on: 2009-05-08 07:10:37

It is a poisonous plant, so if there are little kids wandering around the area I'd consider getting rid of it.

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