There’s A Deadly Plant Growing In North Carolina Roadsides That Looks Like A Harmless Weed

Poison hemlock, a biennial weed in the carrot family, is a deadly plant in North Carolina. It is mostly located in the Piedmont region but is sometimes scattered in mountain areas. You’ll usually find it flowering from May through the summer months along pastures, roadsides, railroads, and river or stream banks if it grows. While poisoning rarely occurs, it is important to learn how to identify these poisonous plants in North Carolina.

Botanischer Bilderatlas nach De Candolle's Natürlichem Pflanzensystem, Carl Hoffmann, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Danny S., CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

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José Luis Romero Rego, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR , via Wikimedia Commons

Magnefl, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

And remember, the roots are the most poisonous parts of the plants.

Mathieu Menand, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR , via Wikimedia Commons

USFWSmidwest, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Poison hemlock can grow up to 10 feet tall and Queen Anne’s Lace doesn’t grow much taller than three feet. And poison hemlock stems are smooth, while Queen Anne’s Lace stems are covered with tiny hairs.

Yoan Martin, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR , via Wikimedia Commons

While both have small white flowers that form umbrella-like structures, those from the poison hemlock are more rounded than Queen Anne’s Lace.

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Danny S., CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Do you see the red splotches? Queen Anne’s Lace has a solid green stem.

North Carolina Parks

While hiking is part of the summer experience, be aware that this deadly plant in North Carolina exists. Also, protect yourself by covering up with long sleeves, pants, and hiking boots. And if you’re clothing has been exposed, be sure to wash it separately in hot water and soap. Discover more about this poisonous plant on the National Park Service‘s website.