Spotted Hemlock (Noun)
Meaning
Tall biennial water hemlock of northeastern North America having purple-spotted stems and clusters of extremely poisonous tuberous roots resembling small sweet potatoes.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The spotted hemlock plant is often mistaken for a harmless weed, but its tuberous roots are extremely poisonous and can be fatal if ingested.
- Spotted hemlock grows in wet environments and can be identified by its purple-spotted stems and clusters of small, sweet potato-like roots.
- The spotted hemlock plant is a biennial, meaning it takes two years to complete its life cycle, and can grow up to six feet tall in its second year.
- Ingestion of even a small amount of spotted hemlock root can cause severe symptoms, including muscle weakness, seizures, and respiratory failure.
- Spotted hemlock is considered one of the most toxic plants in North America, and handling it requires extreme caution to avoid accidental poisoning.