Unknowingly introduced in the 1800s as a decorative “winter fern,” this hardy plant spread rapidly, wreaking havoc on humans and animals due to its highly poisonous nature.
Thriving in disturbed sites and shaded areas with moist soil, poison hemlock’s presence is prominent along roadsides, field margins, ditches, marshes, meadows, riverbanks, and low-lying regions. However, its inconspicuous appearance can make it difficult to identify.
Identifying the plant can be challenging but recognizing its distinct features is important.
Poison hemlock possesses a musty, unpleasant odor associated with alkaloids. It grows to heights ranging from two to ten feet, displaying ribbed and hollow stems with purplish streaks or splotches.
The leaves of poison hemlock resemble ferns, arranged opposite each other in a compound pattern. These leaves consist of narrow segments, emitting a rank odor when crushed.
The small, white, or yellowish flowers boast five petals, blossoming above the ovary. Clustered in umbrella-shaped formations, the flowers are accompanied by four to six brown bracts beneath each cluster.
Symptoms and Lethality
Accidental consumption of even small portions of poison hemlock can lead to dire consequences.
