Lookout for poison hemlock, a dangerous noxious weed

State officials with the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign want to remind people to keep an eye out for poison hemlock a dangerous noxious weed that can be fatal to all classes of livestock, that is typically seen in full growth around the state during this time of year.

“Poison Hemlock can kill a horse or a cow within hours of them eating it. There are even documented cases where people have died from eating poison hemlock because they mistook the weed for some type of wild herb such as parsley, dill or fennel,” advised Roger Batt, statewide spokesperson for the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign.

Poison Hemlock grows 3 to 6 feet tall with a smooth green stem, usually spotted or streaked with purple spots. The leaves are finely divided and lacy, resembling a “carrot-like” leaf. The weed has flowers that are small, white and clustered and resemble the spokes of an umbrella. The Poison Hemlock root is fleshy and white and is the most toxic part of the plant. When crushed, Poison Hemlock’s leaves and roots emit a rank, unpleasant odor often compared to that of a mouse or parsnip.

Though highly toxic, Poison Hemlock is very easy to control and eradicate with hand pulling and the use of broadleaf herbicide treatments. Always wear rubber gloves and protective clothing/gear when pulling this weed and place the plant into a plastic bag and dispose of it in a trash receptacle. When using an herbicide labeled to control and eradicate Poison Hemlock always follow the label and safety instructions on that label, weed officials stress.

For more on this dangerous weed and other noxious weeds visit the Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign’s website.