The stem bases are thick but not hard or woody.

The stem base turns to a blue-purple as it matures.

Spotted water hemlock has a large swelling at the stem base.

Water hemlock has a large swelling at the stem base.

The stem bases are thick and tough, almost woody in texture.

There are narrow, hairy leaves around the stem bases and a few higher on the stems.

The most exquisite is a white Ming bowl on a stem base.

The stem base upon which the entire funnel-shaped structure stood was more than 150 feet in diameter.

Sometimes, there are short white hairs at the stem base, although their presence is variable.

The largest near the stem bases are up to 6.8 centimeters long.