Poison Hemlock

(Conium maculatum)

Other Names:
Hemlock, Poison hemlock

Range:


Family:
Apiaceae - Parsley Family

Growth Type:
Herbaceous biennial

Height:
5-8 feet tall

Leaves:
The leaves are two- to four-pinnate, finely divided and lacy, overall triangular in shape, up to 20 in long and 16 in broad

Stem/Trunk:
Smooth, green, hollow stem, usually spotted or streaked with red or purple on the lower half of the stem. All parts of the plant are hairless (glabrous)

Root:
Taproot

Flower Season:
Summer

Flower Appearance:
The inflorescence of white flowers is similar in appearance to many other species in the carrot family. It is a compound umbel with many clusters of flowers.

Seed/Fruit:
Not Observed

Habitat:
The plant likes moist wet areas, but will grow in dry fields as well. Can be found in poorly drained soils, particularly near streams, ditches. It also appears on roadsides, edges of cultivated fields, and waste areas

No part of this plant should be picked for any reason. All parts are toxic. Ingesting any part of this plant will result in serious harm up to and including death.