Cicuta (Poison)
Cicuta, commonly known as water hemlock, is a highly toxic plant found in wetland areas across North America and Europe. It contains potent alkaloids, particularly cicutoxin, which can cause severe poisoning in humans and animals. Symptoms of cicuta poisoning include nausea, vomiting, seizures, and respiratory failure, often leading to death if not treated promptly.
The plant typically grows in tall, slender stalks with clusters of small white flowers. It resembles other non-toxic plants, making it crucial to identify it correctly. Due to its toxicity, cicuta is often avoided in herbal medicine and gardening, emphasizing the importance of plant identification.