Its lethal toxins, primarily concentrated in the seed, lower stem, and roots, can swiftly induce respiratory paralysis, coma, and death if left untreated beyond three hours of ingestion.
Recognizing the following symptoms is vital:
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Dilated pupils
- Burning sensation on the skin
- Restlessness or confusion
- Muscle paralysis
- Seizures
Should you encounter poison hemlock and experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.
Poison Hemlock is deadly
Apart from its detrimental impact on human and animal health, poison hemlock poses significant threats to ecosystems and habitats.
Its aggressive growth diminishes the availability of quality forage for cattle and horses, contaminates haying operations, and degrades wildlife habitat. Additionally, the plant’s presence reduces the diversity of flora and fauna species while decreasing land value.
Poison hemlock reproduces through seeds that fall near the parent plant, dispersing through fur, birds, water, and, to some extent, wind. While most seeds fall between September and December, some may persist until the end of February. Germination typically occurs in the fall, with flowering usually commencing in the second spring.
