Poison Hemlock

This carrot family member is often mistaken for Queen Anne’s Lace, carrots, and parsnips but should not be eaten under any circumstances. Poison hemlock is a tall, invasive, and, as the name suggests, a poisonous weed that can cause severe reactions in people and animals. Poison hemlock has lacy, fern-like leaves with purple blotches on the stem and white, flat bloom clusters. It is a biennial, which forms a rosette in the first year and will bolt with a bloom stalk in the second year. Plants typically grow 2 to 6 feet tall with multi-branched stems. All parts of this plant are poisonous, but the seeds are the worst, while the sap causes rashes on the skin and, if ingested, can lead to muscle paralysis and suffocation. Poison hemlock can often be found in roadside ditches and damp locations. When working with this weed, wear long sleeves and gloves to prevent contact with the sap. Control can be found by removing the plants with a hoe or shovel or spraying large areas with a herbicide containing glyphosphate, 2,4-D, clopyralid, or a product combination of active ingredients.

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu