Poison Hemlock seen growing in Bowling Green, here’s what to know
BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – The conium maculatum, also known as poison hemlock, is an herb that commonly grows in ditches, stream banks, along roadsides and more.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, the poisonous plant, if ingested, can do harm to humans and animals, as well as if you touch it.
Poison Hemlock looks similar to wild carrots, wild parsnip, wild parsley and The Queen Anne’s Lace flower.
The Cleveland clinic says if ingested, symptoms include seizures, vomiting, respiratory failure, dry mouth, high blood pressure and more, including death.
Unfortunately regarding the toxin, there is no cure. Immediately call poison control if it is consumed, or if you’re having a reaction to it, get medical help.
Matt Powell, Environmental and Storm Utility manager for the City of Bowling Green, says avoiding contact with it is best.
“It causes your skin to break out particularly in combination with sunlight. So, if you get the alkaloids that are on the surface of this plant on your skin and you’re exposed to a lot of sunlight, then it could cause that’s in the scale with poison ivy,” Powell said.
The plant is now showing up in rural areas in Bowling Green.
“The seeds that come off of it can lie dormant in the soil from what I understand five to six years,” Powell said. “Poison hemlock is going to be something that the City of Bowling Green’s going to be dealing with from now on.”
You can spot the plant by recognizing the purple spotted stem, and the height of it. It also has flowers that are spread out on the buds.
It is commonly confused for the Queen Anne’s Lace, which has flowers that have closer buds and is a smaller plant.
Bowling Green Public Works crews have been treating areas to dry out the poison hemlock and then remove the invasive plant.
If you have poison hemlock on your property, it’s best to avoid it and if you do plan on removing it, be sure to wear long sleeves, gloves, goggles and masks to prevent skin exposure and inhalation of toxins.
