Need Identification of possible Poison Hemlock - Ask Extension
Hi- I just saw a large patch of what looks like poison hemlock behind my house. I have animals including chickens and ducks that free range so I need ...
Knowledgebase
Need Identification of possible Poison Hemlock #864617
Asked April 15, 2024, 2:49 PM EDT
Hi- I just saw a large patch of what looks like poison hemlock behind my house. I have animals including chickens and ducks that free range so I need to confirm if this plant is poisonous. The leaves toward the bottom of the plant look more like carrot leaves.
Pic 1- I circled both the flower and leaf on a stem.
Pic 2- I circled the leaf up close
Pic 3- Close up of stem circled
Travis County Texas
Expert Response
Ms. Gardiner,
I am having a difficult time making a positive ID because the images you sent did not capture the detail needed for positive identification.
In fact, you may have taken images of two different plants that look similar. In one image it appears the stem has hairs and in another the stem appears smooth. Queen Anne's Lace/wild carrot must have hairy stems, whereas Water Hemlock has smooth stems.
It is possible this plant is neither wild carrot nor hemlock. If concerned for children, pets, or poultry I'd recommend removing it from the area.
Here is a check list for physical characteristics for Queen Anne's Lace/Wild Carrot:
Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem.
Leaf Shape: The leaves are finely divided and fern-like, similar in appearance to domestic carrot leaves, typically measuring about 2 to 4 inches in length.
Leaf Venation: Due to the finely divided nature of the leaves, the venation is not prominently visible.
Leaf Margin: The margins of the leaflets are finely toothed or lobed.
Leaf Color: The leaves are a bright green color.
Flower Structure: The flowers are small and clustered in umbels, which is a flat or slightly rounded cluster that resembles an umbrella.
Flower Color: The flowers of both species are usually white, sometimes with a hint of pink. Daucus carota flower clusters will have a single red/purple flower in the center while Daucus pusillus does not.
Fruit: The plant produces a small, dry fruit that is oval and slightly ribbed.
Seed: The seeds are small, elongated, and dark in color.
Stem: The stem is slender, erect, and can be branched.
Hairs: There will (must!) be hairs present on the stem. Leaves are also hairy.
Height: Wild carrot typically grows to a height of about 1 to 3 feet tall.
You can contact me directly at my email address with additional images if you wish. Tips for images:
1. Photograph against a light background.
2. Close-up of Flower head from the side, bottom, and top.
3. Close of stem to showing leaf arrangement.
I am having a difficult time making a positive ID because the images you sent did not capture the detail needed for positive identification.
In fact, you may have taken images of two different plants that look similar. In one image it appears the stem has hairs and in another the stem appears smooth. Queen Anne's Lace/wild carrot must have hairy stems, whereas Water Hemlock has smooth stems.
It is possible this plant is neither wild carrot nor hemlock. If concerned for children, pets, or poultry I'd recommend removing it from the area.
Here is a check list for physical characteristics for Queen Anne's Lace/Wild Carrot:
Leaf Arrangement: The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem.
Leaf Shape: The leaves are finely divided and fern-like, similar in appearance to domestic carrot leaves, typically measuring about 2 to 4 inches in length.
Leaf Venation: Due to the finely divided nature of the leaves, the venation is not prominently visible.
Leaf Margin: The margins of the leaflets are finely toothed or lobed.
Leaf Color: The leaves are a bright green color.
Flower Structure: The flowers are small and clustered in umbels, which is a flat or slightly rounded cluster that resembles an umbrella.
Flower Color: The flowers of both species are usually white, sometimes with a hint of pink. Daucus carota flower clusters will have a single red/purple flower in the center while Daucus pusillus does not.
Fruit: The plant produces a small, dry fruit that is oval and slightly ribbed.
Seed: The seeds are small, elongated, and dark in color.
Stem: The stem is slender, erect, and can be branched.
Hairs: There will (must!) be hairs present on the stem. Leaves are also hairy.
Height: Wild carrot typically grows to a height of about 1 to 3 feet tall.
You can contact me directly at my email address with additional images if you wish. Tips for images:
1. Photograph against a light background.
2. Close-up of Flower head from the side, bottom, and top.
3. Close of stem to showing leaf arrangement.
