A poisonous plant with white flowers that grows in wet areas and is dangerous to cattle and humans.
From 'cow' (Old English 'cu') plus 'bane' (Old English 'bana' meaning poison or death), literally 'poison for cows.' The name reflects its toxicity to livestock.
Cowbane is one of the most poisonous plants in Europe—just touching the roots can cause severe blistering—yet cows sometimes eat it anyway, which is why farmers named it to warn of the danger!
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