The infamous plant hemlock (Conium maculatum) is synonymous with poisoning. It was the reason for the Greek philosopher Socrates's gruesome downfall in 399 BC, and has appeared in popular culture worldwide including in poems and plays such as 'Ode to a Nightingale' by John Keats and in Shakespeare's Macbeth and King Lear among others.
How did a plant that can be found so easily throughout the world get such a reputation? Its poisonous qualities are not to be messed with and neither is its nasty scent.
What is hemlock?
Hemlock is a common wildflower that is found throughout the UK and in America - known in the US as poison hemlock. A member of the Apiaceae family, this herbaceous, biennial plant is native to Europe and North Africa and has naturalised throughout Australia, west Asia, and the Americas. It grows in damp areas but likes roadside verges too.
What does hemlock look like?
Unfortunately, hemlock looks a lot like some of the other plants in its family, including plants that are not poisonous like wild carrot (Daucus carota) and wild parsnip (Pastinaca sativa). Its foliage has a distinctive, musty smell when ripped or broken - which some people describe as a little like mouse urine or rotten parsnips - and its stems are purple-spotted.
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It can reach up to 2.4 metres tall, has a long fleshy taproot and its flowers are small and white and emerge in June and July. Its leaves are slightly glossy but if you are unsure, then you should always avoid touching.
Is hemlock poisonous?
Yes - every part of hemlock contains coniine, which, if ingested, can be fatal to humans. As little as 150mg of coniine can be fatal, and that amount can be found in around 6 leaves, a small amount of seeds or root. While it isn't generally poisonous to touch, you should still be careful when handling it as people with sensitive skin can be affected by it.
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Is hemlock poisonous to animals?
Yes - all mammals are susceptible to hemlock, so it is important to keep any livestock or pets away from it. However many livestock avoid hemlock if it is growing near them and sheep are less susceptible to it which means they are sometimes used as a form of control of the plant.
What happens if you are poisoned by hemlock?
Hemlock poison is quick to act, but it will result in a slow and painful death. Symptoms can range from vomiting, to seizures, to respiratory failure, to paralysis and kidney failure and there is no specific antidote available. If you think you have ingested hemlock get professional medical help immediately.
What to do if you find hemlock in your garden
Ideally get an expert to remove the plant, but if you decide to remove it yourself you must wear eye protection and protective clothing to cover any exposed skin, and dig out the entire plant including roots. Take it to a registered hazardous waste carrier, don't compost it or burn it.
