06/15/2026
Those tall plants with delicate white flowers popping up along roadsides and field edges may look harmless. They are not. Poison hemlock is a toxic plants in Missouri and every part of it is poisonous, whether green or dried. This plant spreads aggressively, with a single plant producing up to 38,000 seeds.
How to identify poison hemlock:
β’ Height: Can reach 6 feet or taller
β’ Stems: Smooth, hollow, hairless with distinctive purple blotches or streaks
β’ Leaves: Fern-like, finely divided, with a strong unpleasant odor when crushed
β’ Flowers: Small white flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters
β’ Growth cycle: Low rosette the first year, tall flowering plant the second year
β’ Poison hemlock is often confused with Queen Anneβs lace, but that plant is shorter, hairy and not toxic
How to get rid of it safely:
β’ Hand removal: Only for small infestations and with full protective clothing
β’ Mowing or tillage: Can help reduce spread
β’ Herbicides: Most effective in the early rosette stage before flowering
Safety tips:
β’ Wear gloves, long sleeves and eye protection when handling
β’ Avoid inhaling plant material during removal
β’ Never burn poison hemlock β inhalation can be dangerous
β’ If unsure, do not touch the plant
Get more info: https://brnw.ch/21x3mqQ
Consult the W**d ID Guide for additonal photo of Poison Hemlock and Queen Anne's Lace: https://brnw.ch/21x3mqP