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Poison Hemlock Apiaceae (= Umbelliferae), the parsnip family
BACKGROUND: Poison hemlock is native to Europe. It contains highly poisonous alkaloids toxic to all classes of livestock and humans. It has poisoned many who have mistaken it for parsley. Poison hemlock is often found on poorly drained soils, particularly near streams, ditches, and surface water.
DESCRIPTION: Poison hemlock is a biennial that grows up to 10 feet tall. Stems are stout, hollow, ridged, and mottled with purple spots. Leaves are shiny green, 3 to 4 times pinnately compound, and clasp the stem at the obvious nodes. Crushed foliage has a disagreeable, mousey odor. Flowers are small, white, and borne in umbrella-shaped clusters about 3 inches across in early summer. Seeds are ridged and flattened, with 2 seeds borne together. The plant has a thick, white taproot.
DISTRIBUTION: It grows throughout the U.S. except from eastern Montana to northeastern Minnesota and south to Nebraska. It has an extensive presence in Idaho.
CONTROL: A biological control agent (a defoliating moth) provides good to excellent but inconsistent control. Herbicides are also available.