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Poison Hemlock found growing wild in Ohio

Poison Hemlock

Several counties in Ohio have reported the emergence of a noxious weed that is growing throughout the state. The weed, Poison Hemlock looks similar to wild carrot or wild parsnip but all parts of the plant are poisonous, including the leaves, stems, seeds and roots.

The Ohio State University Extension service reports that the weed typically grows along roadways and other right-of-ways that are difficult to mow and are seldom sprayed with herbicide. They can grow up to 10 or 12 feet and produce small white flowers that are typical of the carrot family.

Extension says that handling the plant seldom causes a toxic reaction in humans but ingesting it through the eyes, open wounds or eating it can cause poisoning.

It is recommended that areas of Poison Hemlock should be sprayed late in the fall after emergence and can also be done early in the spring. Taller plants may need to be controlled by glyphosate and mowing after the plants have bolted and before seed set will prevent seed production.

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