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Musquashroot

Cicuta maculata

Last reviewed: June 2026

Musquashroot (Cicuta maculata)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Megan Blackmore

Musquashroot 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

24"–96" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsCentral Basin and RangeCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central Plains

Musquashroot is a tall native wetland perennial that produces clusters of small white flowers in summer and fall. This plant thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and partial sun conditions. It grows quite large, reaching up to 8 feet tall in optimal conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Musquashroot 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 to humans and animals if ingested
  • Can grow very tall and appear uncontrolled
  • Requires consistently wet conditions that may create maintenance issues

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract various pollinators including native bees, beetles, and flies. This plant provides valuable nectar resources during the mid to late growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Musquashroot need?
Musquashroot grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Musquashroot bloom?
Musquashroot blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Musquashroot native?
Musquashroot (Cicuta maculata) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Musquashroot toxic to dogs?
Yes. Musquashroot 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 Musquashroot toxic to cats?
Yes. Musquashroot 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 Musquashroot attract?
Musquashroot draws bees, beetles, and flies.
Is Musquashroot HOA-friendly?
Musquashroot 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.

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