Hemlock Water Dropwort, also known as Dead Man's Fingers, ... The poison acts by constricting the muscles, causing death by asphyxia with a rictus-like death grin, or sardonic grin.

Italian scientists believe they have solved an ancient medical mystery which gave the world the expression 'sardonic grin'. By Nick Squires In Rome 18 May 2009 • 5:48pm .

Water hemlock bears a close resemblance to other members of the Apiaceae family, and can be mistaken for both edible or poisonous plants, making them even more dangerous. The veins in the leaves ...

Water hemlock (Cicuta), also known as cowbane or poison parsnip, is a genus of four highly poisonous plant species belonging to the Apiaceae family. Usually found in the temperate regions of the ...