any of several poisonous plants, including seven species of Oxypolis, in the parsley family (Apiaceae), that are especially poisonous to cattle. The plants grow in marshes and are widely distributed in North America. They have clusters of white flowers surrounded by bracts (modified leaves). The most common species is O. rigidior, which is also called water-dropwort. Several species of Cicuta are also called cowbane (see water hemlock).