Poison Hemlock
(Scientific Name: Conium
maculatum)
[Common Name(s): Poison Hemlock]
Description:
Important identifying features are purple mottling on the lower
part of hollow stems, fern-like leaves, longitudinally ribbed
seed cases, and a distinct "mousy" odor. Smooth
stems are branched, and the plants frequently grow to a height of 10
feet. Minute, white flowers form many flat-topped clusters.
Habitat: Roadsides and waste places, usually
below 5000 feet.
POISONOUS:
(entire plant) All parts of the plant are poisonous at all stages of
development. Poisoning frequently results from confusing it with
other members of the parsley family especially when the plant is
young. A piece of the plant 1/2 inch in diameter may cause fatal
poisoning. No antidote is known. The alkaloids present in this plant
affect the central nervous system causing paralysis.
