What Does Poisonous Hemlock Look Like

Video What does poisonous hemlock look like

Poison hemlock, a Class B noxious weed, is a widespread toxic biennial plant in the Carrot Family often found in open sunny areas, fields, vacant lots, and on roadsides. Eating even a small amount of any part of this plant can kill people, livestock, and wildlife.

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Identification and Look-Alikes

Poison-hemlock flowering - click for larger image

Poison-hemlock stems have reddish or purple spots and streaks, are not hairy, and are hollow. Leaves are bright green, fern-like, finely divided, toothed on edges and have a strong musty odor when crushed. Flowers are tiny, white and arranged in small, umbrella-shaped clusters on ends of branched stems.

Reading: What does poisonous hemlock look like

Poison-hemlock is a biennial and germinates throughout the year. First year plants are low-growing and may overwinter in mild climates. Young poison-hemlock plants somewhat resemble carrot plants, but can be distinguished by the lack of hairs on the stems and the purple-reddish blotches on the stems.

In late spring, second-year plants reach 6-10 feet tall and produce numerous umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny, white, 5-petaled flowers. Flowering poison-hemlock may be confused with wild carrot (Daucus carota, or Queen Anne’s Lace). In contrast with poison-hemlock, wild carrot has one densely packed umbrella-shaped flower cluster on a narrow, hairy stem, usually with one purple flower in the center of the flower cluster, and is usually 3 feet tall or less. Wild carrot also flowers later in the summer.

Toxicity

poison-hemlock flowers - click for larger image

Poison-hemlock is acutely toxic to people and animals, with symptoms appearing 20 minutes to three hours after ingestion. All parts of the plant are poisonous and even the dead canes remain toxic for up to three years. The amount of toxin varies and tends to be higher in sunny areas. Eating the plant is the main danger, but it is also toxic to the skin and respiratory system. When controlling poison-hemlock, minimize exposure by wearing gloves and taking frequent breaks when pulling or mowing large amounts of plants. One individual had a severe reaction after pulling plants on a hot day because the toxins were absorbed into her skin.

Legal status in King County, Washington

Poison-hemlock is a Class B Noxious Weed on the Washington State Noxious Weed List that is selected for required control on public lands and public rights-of-way by the King County Noxious Weed Control Board. On private property, control of poison-hemlock is recommended but not required in King County. For more information about noxious weed regulations and definitions, see Noxious weed lists and laws.

The King County Noxious Weed Control Board encourages all property owners to remove poison-hemlock where possible and to avoid introducing it to new landscapes.

What to do if you find this plant in King County, Washington

Poison-hemlock leaves - click for larger image

If you find poison-hemlock, please alert the property owner or residents if possible and report it on our Report-a-Weed form. Although private property owners in King County are not required to control poison-hemlock, we do encourage control where possible, especially where people may encounter it accidentally. If you notice poison-hemlock any place where people are growing food or collecting wild plants, please notify the property manager or agency in charge as soon as possible, or report the location to us and we will alert them. This is especially important in p-patch or community gardens where new gardeners or newcomers to our area may be unfamiliar with this plant. If you are unsure about who to contact, we can help (email us).