Spotted Water 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
- Spotted water hemlock grows in moist meadows and along streams, its distinctive purple spots a warning of its toxicity.
- The forager knew to avoid the spotted water hemlock, with its innocent-looking sweet potato-like roots that could be deadly if ingested.
- Hikers in the northeastern United States should be aware of the dangers of spotted water hemlock, which can grow in dense thickets and resemble harmless vegetation.
- Spotted water hemlock has been known to grow up to 10 feet tall, its stems a vibrant green with distinctive purple spots that signal its poisonous nature.
- Botanists studying the plant life of northeastern North America often make note of the spotted water hemlock, with its clusters of deadly tuberous roots and eye-catching purple-spotted stems.