Danger might be lurking in your garden. There’s a poisonous plant that’s more common than you might guess – poison hemlock. It grows in nearly every state, including Wisconsin, and it can be deadly. Here’s what you need to know about poison hemlock, one of Wisconsin’s deadliest plants.
The plant is deceptively attractive – it has finely divided leaves, delicate white clusters of flowers, and a purple-spotted stem. And there's another similar plant that's also dangerous: water hemlock.
With its fine leaves, delicate white clusters of flowers, and that signature purple-spotted stem, poison hemlock might even look like a whimsical wildflower at first glance. It looks a little like Queen Anne’s lace.
But make no mistake – this unassuming flower is far from harmless. It's a biennial herb that can grow up to a 10 feet tall, and it's stocked with a lethal arsenal.
Poison hemlock's villainous reputation lies within its biochemical makeup. The plants contain two deadly alkaloids - these substances wreak havoc on the nervous system, sending paralysis-inducing signals throughout the body.
Every part of the plant, from the leaves to the roots, and even the seeds, is a potential threat. Don’t make a meal of this weed - that goes for animals too!
Poison hemlock has a history as dark as its effects. Back in ancient Greece, the plant was infused into one of the most famous cups of poison in history – Socrates' final drink. He died after drinking a hemlock concoction.
I’ve been on the lookout for this plant this plant, but so far I’ve only spotted a lot of wild parsnip – you need to be careful with that too! Learn more about poison hemlock on the state Department of Natural Resources website. Buy gear for all your (safe) outdoor adventures at REI. Here’s where to learn about things to see and do in Wisconsin.
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