oenanthe

Oenanthe is a genus of flowering plants in the family Apiaceae, commonly known as hemlock-parsleys or water hemlocks. These plants are found in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia, and North America. They are herbaceous perennials, typically growing in wet or marshy habitats such as ditches, riverbanks, and fens.

The genus Oenanthe contains several species, some of which are highly poisonous. A prominent example is Oenanthe crocata, known as hemlock water dropwort, which is considered one of the most toxic plants in the UK. Other species include Oenanthe javanica, or water dropwort, which is cultivated in some parts of Asia as a vegetable.

Oenanthe plants are characterized by their compound leaves and white or sometimes pinkish flowers, which are arranged in umbels, a distinctive feature of the Apiaceae family. The roots of some species are tuberous and often contain toxic compounds, particularly cicutoxin. Accidental ingestion of Oenanthe species can lead to severe poisoning, affecting the nervous system and potentially causing respiratory failure and death. Due to their toxicity, identification of Oenanthe species is crucial, especially in areas where they grow in proximity to edible plants or pastures.