Michigan Plays Host To A Potentially Dangerous Weed
The National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control) warns that poison hemlock is a super dangerous plant that can easily be mistaken for harmless edible plants. They say nowadays, people often get poisoned because they confuse it with something else. For instance, a couple thought they were eating wild celery but actually ingested poison hemlock. Unfortunately, this weed with the potential to be harmful can be found in Michigan.
Michigan Flora Online has documented sightings of this plant in various counties across the Lower Peninsula and a few in the Upper Peninsula. The Michigan State University Extension Agriculture has recently identified its presence in several places, including Allegan, Oakland, and Van Buren counties.
When does poison hemlock bloom?
During its first year, poison hemlock grows as a flowering plant. In its second year, it produces tall stems with white flowers, resembling umbrellas, which bloom in the spring and summer.
It’s generally safe to look at or touch poison hemlock plants. But remember that all parts of the plant are toxic if eaten by humans or animals. Poison Control also warns that it’s highly poisonous to humans, livestock, and wildlife.
Sometimes, people mix up poison hemlock with western water hemlock because their names sound alike. The different names for poison hemlock include deadly hemlock, poison parsley, spotted hemlock, European hemlock, and California or Nebraska fern.
According to the National Library of Medicine the death of Socrates in 399 BCE is attributed to poisoning with common hemlock. His progressive centripetal paralysis is characteristic of that poison.
What to do if you come across poison hemlock?
If you happen to come across any poison hemlock in your yard or pasture, it’s recommended by the USDA to dig up the plants, including the tap roots, to get rid of them. Since this plant can reproduce rapidly, removing it as soon as possible is crucial to prevent further infestation. Make sure to wear gloves, long sleeves, pants, socks, and shoes to protect your skin from the sap. You can compost the plants or dispose of them with yard waste. Poison hemlock is not considered an invasive species in Michigan, so it should not be thrown out with regular trash.
Avoid burning the plants to prevent accidental inhalation. While mowing or using a weed whacker won’t necessarily kill the plant, it can help reduce seed production in second-year plants. If you need to mow or use a weed whacker in areas infested with poison hemlock, don’t forget to wear protective eyewear and a dust mask to shield your eyes and lungs from small particles.
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