Knowledgebase

Poison Hemlock #873142

Asked June 14, 2024, 3:44 PM EDT

Hello, we have a giant poison hemmlock bush I. Our yard and want it gone. Who could we reach out to for this?

Kent County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi Lindsey,
Are you confident that the bush is poison hemlock? Could you send a couple of pictures of the bush----one of the bush and a couple up close of the leaves?

The following article from MSU Extension will help identify poison hemlock and give ways to control it.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/poison-hemlock-identification-and-control

If you believe that the bush in your yard is poison hemlock, please send pictures of the bush and close-up pictures of the leaves and stems.

I'll wait for your reply.
Hello,

Yes I’m certain it’s the poison hemlock. Pictures are attached for you. Please let me know what I need to do next. It is very huge and I’m worried about our dog, deer in our yard and my 2 young boys who are 1 and 4.

Thanks!
Lindsay



On Fri, Jun 14, 2024 at 9:13 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 14, 2024, 9:52 PM EDT
Unfortunately, I did not get the pictures. I have searched for ways to remove hemlock, but MSU doesn't provide this service. Since hemlock doesn't present the same skin issues as giant hogweed or poison ivy, homeowners can remove the plant or have a landscaping service do it. The danger with hemlock is that it's toxic if ingested. 

The article I sent you in my previous email, gives the ways to remove hemlock on your property. Here is an excerpt from that article:
If you find any poison hemlock in your yard or pasture, you can dig up plants, including the tap roots, for removal. Given the reproductive capacity of this plant, remove it as soon as possible to avoid perpetuating the infestation. Wear gloves, long sleeves, pants, socks and shoes to protect your skin from the sap. Compost or dispose plants with yard waste. Poison hemlock is not considered an invasive species in Michigan, therefore it should not be disposed with regular trash.
Do not burn plants to prevent any accidental inhalation. Mowing or weed whacking will not kill the plant but can reduce seed production in second year plants. If you are mowing or weed whacking in areas infested with poison hemlock, wear protective eyewear and a dust mask to prevent exposing your eyes and lungs to small particles.
The article includes more information and other methods that can be used to rid the yard of poison hemlock.

You might want to check with the Department of Natural Resources. It has an invasive species expert who may be able to help you find someone who can remove the plant.
Contact: Susannah Iott, MDARD - Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division<personal data hidden>

I hope this helps, but if you have other questions or need more information, please contact us again. And if you resend the pictures, I would like to see them.

Thank you and have a good week.

Here are the pictures again. This may be hogweed. 

image
image


On Tue, Jun 18, 2024 at 9:28 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 18, 2024, 11:22 AM EDT
Hello Lindsay,
I don't think this is giant hogweed, but I could be mistaken. Hogweed grows to 8 to 10 feet tall. The leaves look different than your plant. 

Your plant may be poison hemlock; however, I can't see the stems clearly enough to tell if they have purple blotches or streaks on them. That is a sure sign that your plant is poison hemlock. Check out the attached article about giant hogweed and the hogweed "look-a-likes." 
https://www.maine.gov/dacf/php/horticulture/hogweedlookalikes.shtml

You can bring a sample from the bush to the Kent County Extension office. They offer diagnostic services but call first to see when they accept samples.

Kent County Extension
775 Ball Ave. N.E. Grand Rapids, MI 49503Email: <personal data hidden>
Phone: <personal data hidden>
Hours of Operation: M-F: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

You can also submit a sample to MSU for identification. See the website pestid.msu.edu for instructions and fees.

Finally, you can contact Suzannah Iott from MDARD, especially if you still suspect it is giant hogweed. I gave you her contact information in a previous email.

Good luck and don't hesitate to contact us again if you have more questions or need further information.

Margo

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