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Poison Hemlock

for a poison emergency

Poison Hemlock/Winter Fern/ California Fern/ Spotted Hemlock/ Poison Parsley (Conium Maculatum)

Native

Grows along streamside and ditch banks at all elevations, tolerates poorly drained soils. Can be found throughout the United States. Grows 4-10 feet tall. Hollow, branched, spotted stems with purple splotches. Leaves are fern-like. Single white taproot that resembles a carrot. Poisonous parts: all parts.

Toxicity

Poisonous

Berries/Fruits

Small capsule containing grayish-brown seeds

Flowers

Individual flowers are very tiny, and are borne in umbrella shaped clusters at the ends of the branches.

(Click images to enlarge.)

Poison Hemlock stem against rocky ground
Poison Hemlock with white flowers
Close up of Poison Hemlock branch
white shaded Poison Hemlock leaves