Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock
Cicuta bulbifera
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–60" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CT, DE, FL, GA and 30 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Bulblet-bearing water hemlock is a tall wetland perennial that thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and partial sun conditions. It produces clusters of small white flowers from June through August and develops characteristic bulblets along its stems. This plant requires specialized growing conditions and is best suited for bog gardens, rain gardens, or naturally wet areas of the landscape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
- Extremely toxic plant - all parts are poisonous to humans and pets
- Requires specialized wet conditions not typical in managed landscapes
- Informal appearance may look unkempt in maintained settings
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies. As a wetland species, it provides habitat value in moisture-rich garden areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock need?
- Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock bloom?
- Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock native?
- Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock (Cicuta bulbifera) is native to CT, DE, FL, GA and 30 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- Is Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock toxic to cats?
- Yes. Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
- What pollinators does Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock attract?
- Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock HOA-friendly?
- Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Bulblet-bearing Water Hemlock and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.
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