Latest news with #PoisonHemlock
The Independent
16-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Poison hemlock is spreading across the US. Here's how to get rid of it
Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A roadside plant is posing a potentially deadly risk to Americans after it was found to be growing rapidly in unmanaged areas. Poison hemlock, also known as Conium maculatum, is poisonous to humans when ingested through the eyes, nasal passages or cuts in the skin. It contains highly toxic compounds known to cause respiratory failure and death. Humans can be affected by the poison if they come into contact with the plant bare-handed. All contact should be avoided, and poison hemlock should never be mowed or burned. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Poison hemlock starts growing in the early spring and 'usually grows for two years.' It's found at 'roadsides, on edges of cultivated fields, along creek beds and irrigation ditches, and in waste areas.' The Tennessee Department of Agriculture noted that poison hemlock can be identified by its tall, hollow stems with purple spots and small white flower clusters forming. So, what's the best way to get rid of Poison hemlock? According to the University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources, there are a few different ways to control the plant. Poison hemlock can be found at roadsides, on edges of cultivated fields, and in waste areas ( Getty Images ) Once identified, remove individual plants by hand pulling, hoeing, or applying a herbicide, which is a pesticide designed to kill unwanted plants. Of course, this should be done with gloves. Hand removal is best for small infestations, with the entire taproot being removed when the plant is pulled out to prevent regrowth. Herbicides such as 2,4-D, triclopyr, and glyphosate could be the most effective in stopping Poison hemlock from growing more. Glyphosate is 'nonselective,' meaning it will kill any plant that it comes in contact with, so use it with caution to minimize 'mortality of desirable plants that might help suppress new poison hemlock seedlings,' according to UC Agriculture & Natural Resources. However, 'herbicides should be used only on seedlings or small rosettes,' and not on plants that are fully grown. Treating Poison hemlock with herbicides may require repeated applications for a couple of years, until 'the seedbank has been significantly depleted.' In addition, 'solid carpets of hemlock seedlings' aren't uncommon after soil disturbance, so 'plowing or repeated cultivation of newly germinated plants will prevent poison hemlock establishment.' Hemlock poisoning can occur in humans if they accidentally ingest the plant, which is often mistaken for wild carrot, wild parsnip, or wild parsley. The poisoning could be fatal, with symptoms — including vomiting, sweating, excess salivation, restlessness or confusion, and rapid heartbeat — occurring almost immediately after eating the plants, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Although there isn't an antidote for the poisoning, your doctor will offer treatment based on your symptoms. Poison hemlock is also extremely toxic for livestock, including sheep, cattle, swine, or horses. Domestic animals are poisoned by eating small amounts of the plant.
Daily Mail
13-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Highly toxic plant spreads across state as officials issue urgent warning
An invasive plant that is toxic to the touch is rapidly spreading throughout Tennessee, as officials tell residents to beware of the increasingly prevalent danger. Poison hemlock is spawning along roads, up fences and in fields, putting people and animals at risk, officials from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture have warned. Formally known as Conium maculatum, every part of the purple-spotted stemmed plant is 'highly toxic,' the department wrote in a May 8 statement, adding that 'just touching or inhaling particles while cutting can be dangerous.' Symptoms of poisoning in humans include nervous trembling, pupil dilation, a weakened pulse, convulsions and bloody stool, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported. In severe cases, coming into contact with the plant may led to kidney failure, muscle paralysis, a coma or death, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Humans rarely get a rash from touching the invasive species, but those with sensitive skin can develop dermatitis. 'Poison hemlock isn't like poison ivy, poison oak or poison sumac,' the Cleveland Clinic explained. While experts say people should never touch the plant, it is usually only fatal if it is eaten. It is 'extremely poisonous' to humans, the USDA asserted. There is no anecdote to Conium maculatum poisoning, doctors can only do their best to treat the symptoms. The USDA said ingesting the plant is 'frequently fatal,' specifically among animals, which can die from respiratory paralysis within just two hours of eating a small amount. Sheep, cattle, swine and horses are some of the most commonly affected species. Animal fetuses are also at risk if their parent comes into contact with the plant. 'Skeletal deformities or cleft palate may be induced in offspring of cows, sheep, goats, and pigs that eat poison-hemlock during gestation,' the department wrote. 'Avoid contact and NEVER mow or burn it,' the Tennessee Department of Agriculture urgently warned. If someone believes poison hemlock is on their property, they should only try to remove it while wearing gloves. People should also connect with their local agriculture department office for assistance. Poison hemlock is part of the carrot family, but unlike its vegetable cousin, is inedible and life-threatening. It grows across the United States in early spring and has a two-year life cycle, according to the USDA. Conium maculatum generally reach four to 10 feet tall and grows dainty white clusters of flowers and parsley-like green leaves. In fact, the hemlock was first brought to America from Europe because of its 'attractive flowers,' according to the USDA. But experts said the menacing plants are about to bud in Tennessee, but people should not be fooled by the innocent-looking blossoms. There have not been any recent accidental incidents of hemlock poisoning in recent years, but in 2017, a man injected himself with the poison plant, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). The 30-year-old man had a history of schizoaffective disorder and was rushed to the emergency room while he was having a heart attack. It was later revealed he was seemingly trying to kill himself, and a syringe of an unknown substance was found on the scene. 'This was presumed to be poison hemlock,' the NLM wrote. 'This liquid was found to contain coniine, N-methylconiine, and conhydrine, the main alkaloids in poison hemlock, via high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy. 'After an extended stay in rehabilitation, the patient remained with some mild cognitive deficits and hypersexual behavior, but greatly improved since discharge.' In 2013, a Washington woman reportedly died from putting hemlock in her salad, investigators believed at the time. Sakha Keo, 55, apparently mistakenly ate the dangerous herb and then died, Annie Waisanen, a Pierce County medical investigator, told King 5. Greek philosopher Socrates is believed to have died from consuming poison hemlock, according to the NLM. It has been documented that in his last days, he experienced 'progressive centripetal paralysis.'
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
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.
