Musquashroot
Cicuta maculata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Musquashroot is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (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
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.
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 Musquashroot and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.