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poison hemlock
Scientific Name: Conium
Family: Apiaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
Poison hemlock, scientifically known as Conium maculatum, is a dangerous plant that belongs to the carrot family. It is known by other common names, including poison parsley and spotted parsley.
Considerations for Pets
- The entire plant is toxic to animals, containing poisonous alkaloids.
- Coniine, the primary poison, is especially concentrated in the seeds.
- Poison hemlock is acutely toxic to animals, with symptoms potentially appearing within 20 minutes to 3 hours after ingestion.
Considerations for Children
- The entire plant is toxic to humans, containing poisonous alkaloids.
- Poison hemlock is acutely toxic to people, with symptoms potentially appearing within 20 minutes to 3 hours after ingestion.
- It is frequently mistaken for wild parsnip.
- Has a smooth purple-spotted stem.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Conium maculatum
- Common Names: Hemlock, Poison Hemlock, Poison Parsley, Spotted Parsley, Deadly Hemlock
- Family: Apiaceae (Carrot or Parsley family)
- Synonyms: References to "hemlock" can also refer to Cicuta spp. (water hemlock) and other related toxic herbs.
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to Europe and Asia.
- Introduced to North America as an ornamental plant.
- Naturalized throughout much of the United States.
- Commonly found on roadsides, in open fields, and in natural areas, including western Washington.
- Occurs on borders of pastures and cropland.
Ecological Role
- Considered an invasive plant.
- Can quickly infest large areas.
- Introduced from Europe as an ornamental in the 1880s.
Morphological Characteristics
- Erect biennial herb.
- Grows to a height of 3 to 10 feet (0.9-3 meters).
- Coarse biennial herb with a smooth, purple-spotted, hollow stem.
- Leaves resemble parsley.
- First-year plants produce ground-level rosettes.
- Branched at the top.
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
- Some birds (e.g., larks and quails) are not affected by the toxins in hemlock.
Further Information
- Purdue Weed Science: www.btny.purdue.edu/weedscience/
- Department of Animal Science at Cornell University
- Botanical.com
- USDA NRCS PLANTS Database
- Southern Indiana Cooperative Weed Management Area: www.SICWMA.org