Noxious Weeds That Harm Washington State

poison hemlockConium maculatumIdentification: This biennial member of theparsley family can grow up to 8 feet tall. Small,white, 5-petaled flowers grow in 4-inch clusterson stalks that radiate out like umbrella spokes.Leaves are dark glossy green and fernlike. Thestem is smooth and hollow with distinctivepurple splotches. Crushed leaves also have aunique musty odor.Impact: All parts of the plant are extremelytoxic to humans and livestock. Accidentalpoisonings have occurred when the plants weremistaken for parsley, parsnip, or wild carrot.Poison hemlock easily colonizes roadsides, vacanturban lots, pastures, and waterways.Control: Always wear gloves when handling thispoisonous plant. Selective herbicides are effectiveon this noxious weed. Because poison hemlockfoliage remains toxic after drying, it is critical todispose of it in the trash.W-34