This ‘highly toxic' plant is spreading in Tennessee: Here's how to get rid of it
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A highly toxic plant, that can be deadly if ingested, is spreading fast across the Volunteer State.
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is about to flower in Tennessee and is already spreading along roadsides, fields and fence lines, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
If you see this line on your fingernail, see your doctor immediately: experts
Experts say the plant is toxic to humans and animals, adding that just touching or inhaling particles while cutting can be harmful.
Here's everything you need to know and look for as Poison Hemlock begins to flower in Tennessee.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Poison Hemlock can be found throughout the United States and has white flowers that grow in small clusters.
The flower reportedly begins to grow in early spring and tends to grow along fence lines, irrigation ditches and in other moist places.
Officials described the plant as having a 'hollow stem usually marked with small purple spots' with leaves that are delicate, like parsley, and has a white taproot.
Experts warn that all parts of Poison Hemlock—including the leaves, stem, fruit, and root—are poisonous, especially in the spring when the plant flowers.
According to the USDA, ingestion of the plant is 'frequently fatal.' In fact, sheep can reportedly be positioned by eating as little as three ounces of green leaves. Animals can die from respiratory paralysis in 2 to 3 hours after eating the plant.
The USDA said signs of poisoning includes:
Nervous trembling
Lack of coordination
Dilation of pupils
Respiratory paralysis
Rapid, weak pulse
Coma
Convulsions
Bloody feces and gastrointestinal irritation
Skeletal defects in calves
⏩
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Clinic reports that humans won't get a rash from touching the plant, but added people with sensitive skin can develop dermatitis. In severe cases, hemlock poisonings can reportedly cause complications such as: slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, muscle paralysis and kidney failure.
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture said residents should never mow or burn Poison Hemlock on their property. Instead, people should use gloves to remove the plant and consult with their local extension office for safe removal options.
Officials said hand pulling may be effective for small populations of the plant and recommend bagging it before disposing to prevent seed dispersal.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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