The Parsley Family

Apiaceae is the 16th largest family of flowering plants and includes many economically important genera. Carrots, parsley, anise, celery, coriander, dill, fennel, and parsnips all fall within this family. However, there are some well-known poisonous species as well. Some notable characters are giant hogweed and cow-parsnip (which have notably phototoxic effects), as well as paralytics such as poison hemlock, water hemlock, and bulb-bearing water hemlock. The specimen we have is not dangerous, though its common name reflects its similarity to a spotted water hemlock, which is a native plant that is toxic when ingested. For all species in this family, it is recommended to take extreme caution when foraging.