Douglas' Water-hemlock
Cicuta douglasii
Care
part shade
moderate
Prefers loamy or clay soils. Grows poorly in sandy soils.
2–10ft tall
Mar-May
Throughout California in wet riparian areas, marshes, and meadows from sea level to 8000 ft elevation, occurring in virtually all regions.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Douglas' water-hemlock in spring in a location with partial shade and consistently moist soil. It thrives in loamy or clay soils and will struggle in sandy conditions, so amend your planting area accordingly if needed. This is a wetland plant at heart - think stream banks and marshy areas - so choose a spot where water naturally collects or where you can maintain consistent moisture.
After Planting
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist through your first growing season; this plant won't tolerate dry spells. Expect it to reach 2 to 10 feet tall and bloom between March and May. The main mistake gardeners make is planting this in well-draining soil or in dry spots - Douglas' water-hemlock is adapted to wet conditions and will decline without them.
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Wildlife Supported
Insects
Primary larval host plant; caterpillars feed on foliage; multiple generations April-October in California
Larval host; caterpillars feed on umbel foliage; two to three broods in coastal California
Specialist herbivore with larva feeding on C. douglasii foliage; host-plant specific
Larval host; caterpillars bore into stems and roots; late summer through fall activity
Larval association with umbel plants; multiple generations