A poisonous weed is spreading across the United States, wrecking havoc in parks, flower beds and backyard gardens.
Poison hemlock, which resembles Queen Anne's Lace, can be fatal if ingested and can also cause skin irritation if touched. All parts of the plant are poisonous, even its sap. Both humans and animals are at risk. Exposure can cause lack of coordination, respiratory paralysis, convulsions, gastrointestinal irritation and coma, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Listen to your favorite News/Talk station now on Audacy
Related
The plant's toxicity is historic. Native Americans used it to make poisoned arrows and ancient Greeks used it to execute criminals. It was most famously used to kill the Greek philosopher Socrates in 399 BC.
In one case out of Ohio, a man was hospitalized on a ventilator for more than 40 days after being exposed to the plant while doing yard work. His lungs were damaged so badly, doctors initially thought it was COVID-19 until tests came back negative.
Luckily, the plant is quite easy to identify. It can grow three to eight feet tall and has distinguishable purple blotches on its stems. It has umbrella-shaped clusters of lacey white flowers and fern-like leaves.
Poison hemlock is typically found along streams and roadsides, and in wet areas and fields. It often grows in dense patches and displaces native species. More recently, it has been showing up in parks, flower beds and backyard gardens. It spreads by seed, which are dispersed by water, birds or rodents. Mowing over the weed can cause it to spread and grow back thicker.
The plant was originally brought to the U.S. from Europe and can now be found in nearly every state across the country, according to the National Park Service.
When removing and handling poison hemlock, wear gloves, long sleeves, pants and eye protection. Individual plants can be dug out using a shovel. Place the plants in a yard waste bag for removal. Do not add to compost piles. For large infestations, herbicides are effective.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram