Aethusia cynapium
An annual plant that grows up to 120 cm tall. The stems are hollow, finely lined and blue green in colour. Leaves resemble parsley with roots similar to radishes. Flowers white, long upper bracts give a bearded look.
Other umbellifers, including hemlock.
Only found in South Canterbury as a weed.
The toxins are alkaloids (aethusin) but the plant is unpalatable when fresh due to a repulsive odour. Leaves, roots and stem are poisonous but hay containing the dried plant is safe.
Poisons humans who mistake it for parsley. Poisoning in stock is rare and has never been reported in New Zealand, the plant has a repulsive odour so stock usually leave it alone. Pigs, goats, cattle and horses have been poisoned.
Ataxia, particularly of the hindquarters has been reported in pigs. Indigestion, panting and ataxia has been reported in goats. Sudden death may occur.
History of exposure and clinical signs.
Decontaminate with activated charcoal and laxatives (e.g. Epsom salts). Treat symptomatically.
Connor, HE, The Poisonous plants in New Zealand, 2nd ed.,1977, Government Publications Ltd., Wellington
Parton K, Bruere A.N. and Chambers J.P. Veterinary Clinical Toxicology, 3rd ed. 2006. Veterinary Continuing Education Publication No. 249