IDENTIFICATION
Biennial.
In the first year, poison hemlock is a small seedling that resembles
wild carrot. In the second, it produces numerous, umbrella-like clusters
of white flowers at the ends of purple-blotched stems. Leaves are shiny,
green, finely divided (almost fern-like), and have a strong musty odour.
Mature plants can grow to 3 m tall.
DAMAGE
Poison hemlock crowds out desirable forage species and can poison
livestock and humans. All parts of the plant are highly
poisonous, and should be handled with care.
HABITAT
Poison hemlock is generally found on dry-to-moist soils, and can
even tolerate poorly drained soils. It is usually found along streams,
irrigation ditches, and the borders of pastures and cropland, and can
gradually invade perennial crops. In BC, it is locally common in the southwest
of the province, particularly in the Vancouver and Victoria areas, and
is present in the Kootenay, Okanagan, Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island,
and Cariboo regions.
SPREAD
Seeds can be spread by machinery, on clothing, or in transported soil
and can be dispersed to a limited extent by water and wind.
