Blecker, L., Creech, E., Dick, J., Gephart, S., Hefner, M., Kratsch, H., Moe, A., Schultz, B. 2020, Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Waterhemlock, Extension, University of Nevada, Reno, Field Guide

Stem

Up to 5 ft. tall, stout, lacks hair (glabrous) and hollow except at nodes; usually with purple streaks; often branched

Leaves

Pinnate-compound; leaflets are lance-shaped, 1-4 in. long and lack hair; edges (margins) are toothed

Flower

Small, white and arranged in umbrella-like clusters at end of a stalk

Root

Swollen taproot at stem base that can be cut open to reveal multiple narrow, hollow, horizontal chambers; fluid released from cut stem bases is orange-yellow or brown, has the odor of parsnip and is highly toxic

Other

Grows best in moist soils; often found in crop fields, roadsides, waste areas and along waterways; known to occur in Douglas and Lyon counties; native to North America
Perennial; reproduces by seed
Highly toxic to animals and humans, even in small quantities

Control

Repeated cultivation or hand-removal can be effective; avoid contact with skin
Apply 2,4-D, glyphosate, or MCPA to actively growing plants

Learn more about the author(s)

Heidi Kratsch

Also of Interest:

Nevada Noxious Weed Field Guide – Waterhemlock