Conium maculatum
Hemlock
Conium maculatum, commonly known as poison hemlock, is a highly toxic perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. Often mistaken for edible parsley or carrots, this dangerous plant contains potent alkaloids like coniine. While historically significant in toxicology, it serves primarily as a lethal poison rather than a medicine.
- Scientific name: Conium maculatum
- Family: Apiaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Conium maculatum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Apiales and the family Apiaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Conium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Apiales | WCVP |
| Family | Apiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Conium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Conium maculatum, is recognized by various common names across different languages and cultures. In Quebec, it is referred to as Jama-jama, while in Scotland, it is known as Cicuta. In Estonia, the name täpiline surmaputk is used, and in Germany, it is called Gefleckter Schierling. Additionally, in Japan, the plant is known as ドクニンジン.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| qu | Jama-jama | Wikidata |
| gl | Cicuta | Wikidata |
| et | täpiline surmaputk | Wikidata |
| de | Gefleckter Schierling | Wikidata |
| ja | ドクニンジン | Wikidata |
| el | Κώνειον το στικτόν | Wikidata |
| scn | Cicuta | Wikidata |
| hi | हेमलाक | Wikidata |
| ku-arab | گیاژەهرک | Wikidata |
| ku-latn | Giyajehrk | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, known as hemlock, exhibits a widespread presence across several regions of Northern Europe. It is commonly found growing throughout the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. In the northernmost reaches of the continent, the species is also established in Finland. Its distribution continues westward, where it is frequently documented across Great Britain. Finally, the plant maintains a notable presence in the landscapes of Ireland and Norway.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Finland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
Chemicals
Conium maculatum has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include coniine.
- Total chemicals
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| coniine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Conium maculatum has 3 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include dizziness, skin diseases, vertigo.
- Total uses
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| dizziness | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| vertigo | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |