Description
Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan, also known as Bolander's water hemlock, is a highly toxic perennial plant in the carrot family (Apiaceae). It is native to North America, particularly in the western parts of the United States and Canada.
Appearance
The plant can reach a height of up to 2 meters and has a smooth, hollow stem that is often purple-spotted. The leaves are compound and finely divided, resembling those of parsley, and emit an unpleasant odor when crushed. The white flowers are arranged in umbel clusters and bloom in late spring to early summer.
Common Names
Aside from Bolander's water hemlock, the plant is also known by several other common names such as spotted cowbane, beaver poison, and serpent's meat.
Uses
The plant is highly poisonous and contains cicutoxin, a potent neurotoxin that affects the central nervous system. It is considered one of the most toxic plants in North America and can cause convulsions, seizures, and death in both humans and animals. Despite its toxicity, some Native American tribes used the plant as an abortifacient and as a topical remedy for skin conditions.
Light Requirements
Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but it may affect its growth and development. Therefore, it's recommended to plant it in an area exposed to sunlight for at least six hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
The plant has a wide range of temperature tolerance and can grow in a variety of climates. However, it grows best in moderate to cool temperature. The ideal temperature range for its growth is 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).
Soil Requirements
Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi prefers moist, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in soils that have a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a variety of soil types, including loam, clay, sand, and gravel, but it grows best in loamy soils. It's recommended to add organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, to the soil before planting to improve soil texture and fertility.
Cultivation Methods
Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan is a hardy plant that grows well in well-drained soil and full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but it prefers sunny conditions. The plant grows up to five feet tall and can spread up to two feet wide. Ideally, it should be planted in rich, loamy soil that is slightly acidic to neutral.
Watering Needs
These plants require consistently moist soil, so regular watering is essential. Water the plant deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. If the weather is hot and dry, the plant may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization
Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan can benefit from regular fertilization during the growing season. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once a month to encourage healthy growth and development. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak, leggy growth and reduce flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant, but it can benefit from occasional deadheading. Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent the plant from wasting energy on seed production. If the plant becomes overgrown, you may trim back the stems in the late fall or early spring to maintain the desired shape and size.
Propagation of Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan
Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan, commonly known as Western water hemlock, is a biennial or short-lived perennial plant that is native to western North America. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through both sexual and vegetative methods.
Sexual Propagation
The most common method of propagation for Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan is by seed. The plant produces small, oblong seeds that can be collected in late summer or early fall. To propagate the plant through seed, the seeds must first be stratified for several months in cold, moist conditions to break dormancy. Once the seeds have been stratified, they can be sown in pots or directly in the ground. The seeds should be covered with a shallow layer of soil and kept moist until germination occurs.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation can also be used to propagate Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan. This method involves taking a cutting or dividing the plant's root system to create a new plant. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer from younger shoots that have not yet flowered. The cuttings should be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until new growth appears. Root division can be done in the fall or spring by digging up the plant and dividing the root system into several sections. Each section should have at least one healthy shoot and root system.
Regardless of the propagation method chosen, it is important to select healthy parent plants to ensure the viability of the new plants. Additionally, all parts of Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan are highly toxic, so proper precautions, including wearing gloves, should be taken when handling the plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan Plant
Cicuta maculata L. var. bolanderi (S. Wats.) Mulligan, commonly known as Bolander's waterhemlock, is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Apiaceae family. Though resistant to most garden pests and diseases, this plant can still fall prey to some ailments. Below are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and suggestions on how to manage them.
Diseases
1. Bacterial Disease: Bolander's waterhemlock is susceptible to several bacterial diseases such as bacterial leaf spots and wilts. Symptoms of bacterial leaf spot include small, water-soaked spots on the leaves with yellow halos, while those of bacterial wilt include yellowing and wilting of the leaves. To manage bacterial diseases, remove and destroy all infected plant parts and treat with a copper-based bactericide.
2. Fungal Disease: Fungal diseases are also common in Bolander's waterhemlock, with powdery mildew being the most prevalent. This disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems and can spread rapidly in humid conditions. To manage powdery mildew, remove infected plant parts and apply a sulfur-based fungicide regularly.
Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are small arachnids that can multiply quickly and cause damage to Bolander's waterhemlock. They suck the sap from leaves, causing yellowing, stunted growth, and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a neem oil-based insecticide or use a high-pressure water spray to dislodge them.
2. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant, causing stunted growth, leaf curling, and yellowing. To manage aphids, spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil-based insecticide, or use a high-pressure water spray.
3. Thrips: Thrips are tiny winged insects that feed on the leaves, causing silver or bronze streaks. Heavy infestation can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. To manage thrips, use a yellow sticky trap or apply a neem oil-based insecticide.
Adopting good plant care practices such as regular watering and fertilization, and providing adequate sunlight can go a long way in preventing diseases and pest infestation in Bolander's waterhemlock plant.
