Is this Poison Hemlock? - Ask Extension
This is growing all along a farmers field near me. If it is poison hemlock, should I report to someone?
Knowledgebase
Is this Poison Hemlock? #906481
Asked June 19, 2025, 7:33 PM EDT
This is growing all along a farmers field near me. If it is poison hemlock, should I report to someone?
Hancock County Ohio
Expert Response
Hello, and thank you for writing.
It may be poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). You can identify it by several factors. Keep in mind that there are other plants that look similar to poison hemlock, such as Queen Anne's Lace.
Here are a couple of ways to differentiate it. Poison hemlock has purple blotches on the stem. It is difficult to tell from your photo, but I don't see any purple blotches. The leaves are pinnate compound leaves. They look like feathers on both sides of the stem. Again, it is difficult to clearly see the leaves in your photo.
Here are links to sites that should help you to positively identify it:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/poison-hemlock-identification-and-management/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/poison-hemlock-identification-and-control
https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/poison-hemlock#noxious-look-alikes-2129312
You may also want to take a sample - or a very clear photo of the flowers, stems, and leaves - to your local reputable nursery to help identify it. If you try to collect a sample, wear protective clothing and gloves, and take the sample in a plastic bag. Be sure to wash your clothing and tools separately after handling the plant.
The plant can be pulled or hoed to help irradicate it. Wear gloves and protective clothing. Herbicides may also be used - follow all directions and be sure not to touch surrounding plants with the herbicide. Do not burn the plant, as this can release toxins into the air.
I recommend speaking to someone at your local Extension Office regarding reporting. You can find your local office at the link below.
Good luck - I hope this helps!
It may be poison hemlock (Conium maculatum). You can identify it by several factors. Keep in mind that there are other plants that look similar to poison hemlock, such as Queen Anne's Lace.
Here are a couple of ways to differentiate it. Poison hemlock has purple blotches on the stem. It is difficult to tell from your photo, but I don't see any purple blotches. The leaves are pinnate compound leaves. They look like feathers on both sides of the stem. Again, it is difficult to clearly see the leaves in your photo.
Here are links to sites that should help you to positively identify it:
https://extension.umd.edu/resource/poison-hemlock-identification-and-management/
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/poison-hemlock-identification-and-control
https://extension.umn.edu/identify-invasive-species/poison-hemlock#noxious-look-alikes-2129312
You may also want to take a sample - or a very clear photo of the flowers, stems, and leaves - to your local reputable nursery to help identify it. If you try to collect a sample, wear protective clothing and gloves, and take the sample in a plastic bag. Be sure to wash your clothing and tools separately after handling the plant.
The plant can be pulled or hoed to help irradicate it. Wear gloves and protective clothing. Herbicides may also be used - follow all directions and be sure not to touch surrounding plants with the herbicide. Do not burn the plant, as this can release toxins into the air.
I recommend speaking to someone at your local Extension Office regarding reporting. You can find your local office at the link below.
Good luck - I hope this helps!