Is Hemlock Safe for Garden Beds?

Although poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) can be an attractive plant and is often mistook for an ornamental, it is highly poisonous and is best eliminated from gardens. Hemlock is an invasive weed and can easily displace native species, while threatening humans and animals with poison.

Identification

Hemlock begins its growth cycle growing low to the ground and fern-like. Then it extends tall stems that produce white flowers. Flowers turn to green seedpods and finally to brown when mature. Identify hemlock by its smooth, hollow stem spotted with an array of purple markings.

Garden Impacts

Hemlock grows as a weed, flourishing in moist areas, such as near streams. The plants may overtake native species and wipe them out due to aggressive growth habits, so they should be removed from a garden immediately.

Poison Impacts

Every part of hemlock, including leaves, roots, fruits and stems, is extremely toxic and can kill humans and animals. Remove the plant and do not allow the plant to go to seed if it's found in your garden. Hemlock's volatile alkaloids have been used throughout history by humans as a highly toxic poison.

References

• The Nature Conservancy; Conium Maculatum L. Poison Hemlock; Don Pitcher
• Washington State University; Poison Hemlock -- Dangerous to People and Animals; Mary Robson, May 1999