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poison hemlock
Scientific Name: Conium maculatum
Family: Apiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Forb/herb
Duration: Biennial
Other Names:
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Poison hemlock, also known as hemlock, poison parsley, or spotted parsley, is a dangerous plant to be aware of. It is a biennial herbaceous flowering plant.
Considerations for Pets
- The entire plant is toxic to animals.
- Contains the poisonous alkaloid coniine and other alkaloids.
- Most poisonous during the early stages of growth in the spring, but it is dangerous at all stages of growth.
- Coniine is concentrated in the seeds, though the entire plant is dangerous to livestock when fresh.
- Symptoms of poisoning can appear quickly, within 20 minutes to three hours after ingestion.
Considerations for Children
- The entire plant is toxic to humans.
- Contains the poisonous alkaloid coniine and other alkaloids.
- Most poisonous during the early stages of growth in the spring, but it is dangerous at all stages of growth.
- Has a smooth, purple-spotted, hollow stem.
- Symptoms of poisoning can appear quickly, within 20 minutes to three hours after ingestion.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Conium maculatum
- Common Names: hemlock, poison hemlock, poison parsley, spotted parsley, deadly hemlock
- Family: Apiaceae (carrot or parsley family)
- Genus: Conium
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe and Asia (Eurasia).
- Naturalized throughout much of North America after being introduced as an ornamental plant.
- Common in western Washington on roadsides, in open fields, and in natural areas.
- Grows throughout the United States.
- Occurs on borders of pastures and cropland, gradually invading perennial areas.
Ecological Role
- Considered invasive in some regions.
- Can quickly infest large areas.
- Non-native plant that originated in Europe.
- Identified as a Class-C noxious weed.
Morphological Characteristics
- Erect biennial herb that can grow 3 to 10 feet tall.
- Coarse biennial herb with a smooth, purple-spotted, hollow stem.
- Leaves resemble parsley.
- First-year plants produce ground-level rosettes.
- Stems are branched at the top and often mottled with purple spots.
- Grows 3-8 ft. (0.9-2.4 m) tall.
Quirky Facts
- In ancient Greece, poison hemlock was used to poison political prisoners.
- Some birds, such as larks and quails, are not poisoned by hemlock.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Often mistaken for water hemlock or wild parsnip.
- Similar in appearance to other plants with 'hemlock' in their common names.
Further Information
- www.btny.purdue.edu/weedscience/
- Department of Animal Science at Cornell University (for information about poisonous plants).
- Botanical.com, a modern herbal.
- USDA NRCS PLANTS Database
- Southern Indiana Cooperative Weed Management Area www.SICWMA.org