Overview
Cicuta virosa is a plant with a bushy, columnar upright habit in the genus Cicuta, part of the Apiaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Cicuta virosa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens.
About
Cicuta virosa, commonly known as cowbane, is a bushy, columnar upright evergreen plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and can be grown in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with pH ranging from acid to alkaline. This hardy plant (H5) prefers moist but well-drained soil and can be placed in exposed or sheltered positions facing any aspect. It is suitable for wildlife gardens and is notable during spring and summer. Cicuta virosa self-seeds prolifically and should be watered during establishment.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Cicuta
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- North, South, East, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Cicuta virosa size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Bushy, Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Cicuta virosa
- Propagation
- Self-seeds prolifically
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Cicuta virosa?
Cicuta virosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Cicuta virosa need?
Cicuta virosa is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to well-drained.
Is Cicuta virosa hardy in the UK?
Cicuta virosa has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Cicuta virosa?
Self-seeds prolifically.