Alabama Extension warns of Poison Hemlock as warm weather approaches

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is warning the those who spend time outdoors to be on the lookout for Poison Hemlock.

The toxic plant is not new to Alabama, however Kerry Steedley, a Regional Extension Agent says, its becoming more of a concern.

"We want to make sure the public is aware of this because we're starting to see a bit more of it," said Steedley. The plant is a biennial species, meaning it lives for two years.

Every part of this plant contains toxic chemicals that can cause severe skin reactions. If ingested by people or animals it can lead to muscle paralysis, suffocation, or even death.

The plant is a non native invasive plant. This means it can threaten the presence of native plants that are important to our state's ecosystem.

The plant features petalled white flowers and leaflets. These features can commonly be mistaken for the harmless Queen Anne's Lace.

Poison Hemlock, however, can be distinguished by purple splotches located on its stem. Steedley says farmers, outdoors people, and landscapers should be on the lookout for these plants.

They can be seen in gardens, on trails, open pastures and more commonly on roadsides.

“In areas like rights of ways powerline easements things like that that get mowed. And if these plants are in there and they went through that reproductive cycle and have created those seeds it’s really easy to spread and then create these big patches of the plant,” said Steedley.

If you notice a poison hemlock on your property you can attempt to remove it yourself through consistent herbicide application.

You can also attempt to manually remove the plant from its roots. This needs to be done with all areas of the skin covered along with your mouth and eyes.

“Make sure you’re wearing gloves, long sleeves, long pants and eye protection," said Steedley "If any of these parts, especially if you have cuts on your hands or things like that if parts of the plant get in contact with that, that is an entry way to your bloodstream. That’s what we want to avoid,” said Steedley.

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The Alabama Extension can assist with the removal process of this plant.

Poison hemlock seen on public or private property can be reported here.