Cicuta maculata is also known as Cicuta douglasii, cowbane, beaver poison, and water hemlock, and suicide root, among other names. C. maculata is an herbaceous, rhizomatous perennial plant within the carrot family of Apiaceae that is native to all of North America. C. maculata has a hollow erect stem with shiney lance shaped leaves with serrated edges and dense clusters of white flowers. Mature plants reach up to 3 to 5 feet high. C. maculata is highly poisonous to both humans and animals, similar to other hemlock species. Ingestion of C. maculata in any quantity can result in death or permanent damage to the central nervous system. It is often and easily confused with other similar looking species within the Carrot family. USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9.
Cicuta maculata seeds should be placed in a moist medium such as sand, coco coir, or peat during a cold stratification period of 6 to 8 weeks at temperatures around 40ºF. After that period, move to temperatures around 60-70ºF for germination. Seeds should be sprinkled across the surface of your soil medium and lightly pressed in, but not covered. Use a well draining potting mix and keep moist, but not soaking wet. C. maculata seeds will germinate in approximately 1 to 4 weeks after sowing. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic. Established plants prefer a loamy or sandy soil mix that remains wet to moderately moist and prefer full sun to partial shade.
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All packages will be shipped with basic customs information such as; HS codes, VAT numbers, and properly labeled contents. Unfortunately, The Garden of Set is unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for orders at this time. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know local laws regarding the import of plants, seeds, and plant products into their country. It is also up to the buyer to provide any other customs forms or information required to import plants into their country. If packages get stopped by customs, The Garden of Set will not be able to provide a refund for the purchase. Most of the time packages make it to their destinations just fine, this is for the small minority of packages that get stopped without having all the proper customs information required by the country of import. Purchase at your own discretion.