UK Flowers: Herbs, Shrubs, Vines & Trees
UK Flowers

UK Hemlock Water Dropwort

Herb Icon Native Flower     Toxic
Image of Hemlock Water Dropwort
Oenanthe crocata
Family: Apiaceae

Flower Properties

Property Value
English Name Hemlock Water Dropwort
Scientific Name Oenanthe crocata
MainColor White
PlantType Herb Icon Herb
Distribution Native Flower Native
Season Found May (Jun - Oct)
ImageUrl Oenanthe-001
Photographer DP
Location Found Abbots Langley
Country Found UK
Last Updated 07 September 2026
Photo Quality A

Flower Details

Description

Hemlock Water Dropwort is a perennial herb that can grow up to 1.5 metres tall, with hollow stems and clusters of white flowers. It is easily identified by its distinctive, fleshy, tuberous roots that resemble parsnips.

Distribution

This plant is commonly found in damp areas such as riverbanks, ditches, and marshes throughout Western Europe, including the UK and Ireland.

Medicinal/Other Uses

— No significant medicinal uses.

Edibility

Inedible - all parts of the plant are highly toxic and should not be consumed.

Human Toxicity Toxic
Toxic Highly_Toxic

Highly Toxic - ingestion can lead to severe symptoms such as convulsions, respiratory failure, and even death.

Pet Toxicity Pet Toxicity

Highly Toxic to dogs and livestock - consumption can result in severe poisoning and potentially fatal outcomes.

Active Compounds

Oenanthotoxin, oenanthine, dihydro-oenanthotoxin.

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