Beware the presence of poison hemlock in Northern California! This invasive and poisonous plant bears a striking resemblance to the harmless Queen Anne’s Lace, making it a cause for concern. With its recent surge in growth after the heavy rains of the first half of 2023, understanding the characteristics of this deadly plant is essential to protect ourselves, our pets, and the environment.
Poison hemlock, an invasive and toxic plant, has been steadily spreading across the region, raising significant concerns for both animal and human safety.
So how did this happen? After the heavy rains of the first half of 2023, this dangerous plant is growing in high abundance.
The California Invasive Plant Council has a map on its website of the counties where poison hemlock has spread. It grows below elevations of 5,000 feet and is very invasive.
Queen Anne's Lace stems are covered in tiny hairs. In addition, Queen Anne's Lace flowers grow in more of an umbrella shape while poison hemlock flowers grow more rounded and clustered together.
Poison hemlock only lives two years, so this is a short-lived poisonous plant, thankfully!
In addition to safeguarding human health, addressing the invasion of poison hemlock is important for the preservation of wildlife as well as livestock.
So if you're gardening in your yard and spot something that fits this description, remember to keep pets away and wear gloves to handle this toxic plant.
By familiarizing ourselves with the unique features of this invasive and poisonous plant, we can safeguard ourselves, our pets, and the environment from its toxic consequences. Have you spotted any poison hemlock in your yard?
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