Cicuta maculata: an umbelliferous and poisonous plant.
1767. Persons (especially Children) would do well to beware of this Weed. It is called wild Hemlock by some, and Musquash Weed by others. It grows in low Lands, especially by running water.—Mass. Gazette, May 21.
1807. Five children were lately poisoned in Scipio (Newyork) by eating Wild Parsnip, or Musquash Root.—Mass. Spy, July 22.
1820. They procured, on the bank of a small rivolet, a root commonly known by the name of Musquash root;… it has some resemblance to the spikenard in its flavour.—Id., May 3: from the Rutland (Vt.) Herald.
