So many people are drawn to the water because of its calming effect. The sounds of creeks and ocean waves are soothing to the soul, and watching waterfalls and the tide coming in and going back out relieves stress. South Carolina has an abundance of places in nature to enjoy the water, from lakes and rivers to waterfalls and oceans. During the spring and summer seasons, many also enjoy viewing and picking wildflowers, generally a fun, harmless activity. However, it’s important to be mindful of the deadly plants in South Carolina to be on the lookout for and to use caution while engaging in this hobby.

One of the deadly plants to be on the lookout for any time you're near the water in South Carolina is known as water hemlock, or spotted water hemlock. It grows small white flowers in umbrella-like clusters, having some resemblance to Queen Anne's lace as well as other plant varieties.
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Spotted water hemlock is found in most U.S. states and usually starts growing in the spring.
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A wetland plant, the water hemlock is commonly found in meadows, pastures ...
Deadly Plants in South Carolina
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... and along the banks of streams. This dangerous plant is found throughout South Carolina in areas where the soil is wet or moist.
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If often gets confused with the plant from which we get our anise spices, which is part of the problem. It's almost as if it's hiding in plain sight!
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In fact, water hemlock falls within the same plant family, Apiaceae, as anise and which also includes other wonderful food plants including carrot, celery, cumin, dill, fennel, parsley, parsnip, and coriander. Imagine that. As they say, There's always that one in every family!
A highly toxic plant considered to be the deadliest in North America, only a small amount of spotted water hemlock ingested can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, seizures, delirium, and death. The primary toxin in the plant is called cicutoxin, which affects the nervous system as an incredibly potent stimulant, leading to a violent and painful death.
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So the moral of this story is to be very cautious before eating any plant you come across in nature. You do not want to become the victim of a case of mistaken identity, especially when it comes to the spotted water hemlock.

Have you ever seen this or other deadly plants in South Carolina while out enjoying nature? Be sure to keep an eye out for the poisonous snakes found in South Carolina as well.

And as a friendly reminder, whenever you’re heading out for hiking or other adventure in nature, it’s a good idea to make sure you’ve got a first-aid kit on hand. In fact, check our handy-dandy hiking packing list to be best prepared.

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