Cicuta maculata L. var. curtisii (Coult. & Rose) Fern.

Locations ofCicuta maculata L. var. curtisii (Coult. & Rose) Fern. in Virginia

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Detail

Family
Apiaceae
Botanical Name
Cicuta maculata L. var. curtisii (Coult. & Rose) Fern.
Common Name
Southern Water-hemlock
Synonym(s)
Cicuta mexicana Coulter & Rose; Cicuta curtisii Coulter & Rose
Flora of Virginia Name/Status
Mentioned in Comments under Cicuta maculata var. maculata.
Comments
Flora of the Southeastern U.S. (FSUS) attributes this southeastern taxon (as Cicuta mexicana Coulter & Rose) to the Virginia Coastal Plain, where it allegedly reaches its northern limit. It is reportedly a more robust plant than C. maculata var. maculata, with larger leaves and a different fruit morphology. However, these differences have been difficult to discern in limited herbarium studies. Only four Virginia specimens in online databases and one in literature have been identified; these are from the southeastern counties of Norfolk (Chesapeake City), Southampton, Surry, and Virginia Beach. FSUS says the taxon "appears to warrant taxonomic recognition" but the appropriate rank may be controversial. In Rhodora 41 (439-441), Fernald spent several pages detailing problems with Coulter and Rose's circumscription and the lack of coordination between diagnostic characters on many specimens. Sadly, there doesn't appear to be any recent work on the genus. A more comprehensive study of Virginia materal in both the field and herbarium is clearly needed before we can really get a handle on this taxon. In the meantime, we are providing a provisional map to call attention to the problem.
Habitat
Swamps, marshes, and impoundment margins. Status uncertain, but apparently much less common than C. maculata var. maculata; known from four counties in the se. Coastal Plain.
Native Status
Native

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