Poison hemlock- Conium maculatum
Poison hemlock
Conium maculatum L.
Apiaceae (Carrot family)
Life cycle
Biennial, spending year one as a rosette and then growing vertically in year two to produce flowers.
Leaves
Lacey or finely-dissected leaves (similar to wild carrot, except without hairs on the leaf surfaces)
Stems
Erect, hollow, purple spots help distinguish this species from other look-alikes, heights of 6-10 feet during the second year of growth (while flowering) with numerous branches.
Root
Taproot.
Flowers and fruit
White umbelliferous flowers (umbrella like, similar to wild carrot), appear July-September in Michigan, prolific producer of tiny (~2mm), oblong seeds with one flattened side and distinct ribs on the rounded side.
Reproduction
Seeds.
More information & control options
