Poison hemlock, which resembles Queen Anne’s Lace, is often spotted along highways, in fence lines and on the edges of farm fields. Recently, populations of this toxic and invasive plant have exploded in parks, yards and gardens across the country.
Poison hemlock spreads and grows its footprint during late summer and fall. Each plant produces up to 30,000 seeds that ripen between late June and August after it flowers. Those seeds are easily scattered during late summer mowing.
Hemlock poisoning can be fatal with no antidote. All plant parts contain toxic alkaloids that can interfere with nerve transmissions to your muscles, ultimately causing respiratory failure. It is highly toxic to humans, livestock and other animals, including dogs and cats.
Source: USA Today, August 3, 2021. Link.
Also see: Poison Hemlock, a toxic, invasive plant, is spreading to gardens across the country, Martha Stewart, August 11, 2021. Link.