Oenanthe crocata: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:24, 21 February 2025

Oenanthe crocata[edit]

Oenanthe crocata, commonly known as hemlock water-dropwort, is a highly toxic plant native to Europe. It belongs to the Apiaceae family, which includes other well-known plants such as carrots and parsley.

Description[edit]

Oenanthe crocata is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has hollow stems and a distinctive yellowish sap. The leaves are pinnate with broad, toothed leaflets.

Flowers[edit]

The plant produces small, white flowers arranged in compound umbels. Each umbel consists of numerous tiny flowers, which are attractive to various pollinators.

Fruit[edit]

The fruit of Oenanthe crocata is a schizocarp, which splits into two mericarps when mature. These fruits are an important identifying feature of the plant.

Habitat[edit]

Oenanthe crocata is typically found in damp environments such as riverbanks, marshes, and ditches. It thrives in wet, nutrient-rich soils and is often found in association with other wetland plants.

Toxicity[edit]

Oenanthe crocata is one of the most poisonous plants in the British Isles. All parts of the plant contain oenanthotoxin, a potent neurotoxin. Ingestion of even small amounts can be fatal to humans and animals.

Ecology[edit]

Despite its toxicity, Oenanthe crocata plays a role in its ecosystem. It provides habitat and food for certain insects, such as the Depressaria daucella, a moth whose larvae feed on the plant.

Identification[edit]

Key identifying features of Oenanthe crocata include its hollow stems, the presence of yellowish sap, and the characteristic compound umbels of white flowers. The plant's leaves and fruit also aid in identification.

Related pages[edit]

Gallery[edit]

Hollow stem of Oenanthe crocata
Clump of Oenanthe crocata

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-'''Oenanthe crocata''', also known as [[Hemlock Water Dropwort]], is a highly toxic plant native to [[Europe]] and [[North Africa]]. It belongs to the family [[Apiaceae]] and is considered one of the most poisonous plants in the United Kingdom.
+== Oenanthe crocata ==
+[[File:Oenanthe_crocata_kz04.jpg|thumb|right|Oenanthe crocata in its natural habitat]]
+'''Oenanthe crocata''', commonly known as '''hemlock water-dropwort''', is a highly toxic plant native to Europe. It belongs to the [[Apiaceae]] family, which includes other well-known plants such as [[carrot]]s and [[parsley]].
 == Description ==
-'''Oenanthe crocata''' is a perennial plant that grows up to 1.5 meters tall. It has a thick, fleshy rootstock that resembles a cluster of white carrots. The leaves are pinnate, with leaflets divided into lobes. The plant produces small white flowers in umbrella-like clusters from June to August.
-== Distribution and Habitat ==
+[[File:Oenanthe_crocata_leaflets.jpg|thumb|left|Leaflets of Oenanthe crocata]]
-'''Oenanthe crocata''' is found in damp, marshy areas such as riverbanks, ditches, and wet meadows across Europe and North Africa. In the [[United Kingdom]], it is particularly common in the west and south.
+Oenanthe crocata is a perennial herbaceous plant that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. It has hollow stems and a distinctive yellowish sap. The leaves are pinnate with broad, toothed leaflets.
+=== Flowers ===
+[[File:Oenanthe_crocata_flowers.jpg|thumb|right|Flowers of Oenanthe crocata]]
+The plant produces small, white flowers arranged in compound umbels. Each umbel consists of numerous tiny flowers, which are attractive to various pollinators.
+=== Fruit ===
+[[File:Oenanthe_crocata_fruiting_umbel.jpg|thumb|left|Fruiting umbel of Oenanthe crocata]]
+The fruit of Oenanthe crocata is a schizocarp, which splits into two mericarps when mature. These fruits are an important identifying feature of the plant.
+== Habitat ==
+[[File:Oenanthe_crocata_sward_at_Marden.jpg|thumb|right|Oenanthe crocata growing in a sward at Marden]]
+Oenanthe crocata is typically found in damp environments such as riverbanks, marshes, and ditches. It thrives in wet, nutrient-rich soils and is often found in association with other wetland plants.
 == Toxicity ==
-The entire plant, especially the roots, contains a potent toxin called [[oenanthotoxin]]. Ingestion can cause severe poisoning in both humans and animals, leading to symptoms such as nausea, convulsions, and potentially death. The plant's roots, which can be mistaken for edible plants like parsnips or carrots, are particularly dangerous.
-== Cultural Significance ==
+Oenanthe crocata is one of the most poisonous plants in the British Isles. All parts of the plant contain oenanthotoxin, a potent neurotoxin. Ingestion of even small amounts can be fatal to humans and animals.
-Despite its toxicity, '''Oenanthe crocata''' has been used in traditional medicine in some cultures. However, due to its high toxicity, it is not commonly used today.
-== See Also ==
+== Ecology ==
-* [[List of poisonous plants]]
+[[File:Oenanthe_crocata_with_Dilophus_cf_febrilis.jpg|thumb|left|Oenanthe crocata with Dilophus cf. febrilis]]
+Despite its toxicity, Oenanthe crocata plays a role in its ecosystem. It provides habitat and food for certain insects, such as the [[Depressaria daucella]], a moth whose larvae feed on the plant.
+[[File:Depressaria_daucella_with_Oenanthe_crocata.jpg|thumb|right|Depressaria daucella on Oenanthe crocata]]
+== Identification ==
+[[File:Oenanthe_crocata_rays_and_bracts.jpg|thumb|left|Rays and bracts of Oenanthe crocata]]
+Key identifying features of Oenanthe crocata include its hollow stems, the presence of yellowish sap, and the characteristic compound umbels of white flowers. The plant's leaves and fruit also aid in identification.
+[[File:Oenanthe_crocata_bracteoles.jpg|thumb|right|Bracteoles of Oenanthe crocata]]
+== Related pages ==
 * [[Apiaceae]]
-* [[Oenanthotoxin]]
+* [[Toxic plants]]
+* [[Wetland plants]]
-== References ==
+== Gallery ==
-<references />
+<gallery>
+File:Oenanthe_crocata_hollow_stem.jpg|Hollow stem of Oenanthe crocata
+File:Oenanthe_crocata_clump.jpg|Clump of Oenanthe crocata
+</gallery>
+[[Category:Apiaceae]]
 [[Category:Flora of Europe]]
-[[Category:Flora of North Africa]]
-[[Category:Apiaceae]]
 [[Category:Poisonous plants]]
-{{Flora-stub}}