Water Hemlock vs. Wild Parsnip / Cow Parsnip

WATER HEMLOCK (Cicuta) — the most violently toxic plant in North America; small bites can kill.

The tell: Water hemlock: smooth stems, sometimes purple-streaked, chambered rootstalk smelling of parsnip, leaf veins ending in the NOTCHES between teeth. Wild parsnip/cow parsnip lack the chambered root and notch-veins. Beginners: do not dig any white-rooted carrot-family plant without an expert.

Rule: White roots in wet ground + carrot family = expert-only.