A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine had a horse come down sick quickly who died undiagnosed. The worst possible situation you could imagine. When a second horse became critically ill then a third one the thought was a contagious disease such as West Niles. The real reason she discovered this week was Poison Hemlock. The plant looks harmless enough and is just a weed in the pasture without the knowledge of how deadly it is. I did my research then published this article to help others who may have the same symptoms.
Poison hemlock is distributed widely across the United States and grows most frequently along fence borders in shady and moist areas. Seeds germinate in the fall or early spring, and plants flower May through July, depending on location. This robust growing plant can reach heights up to 10 feet. The leaves are alternate or basal (grow from the lowest part of the stem) and are three to four pinnately (featherlike) compound. The weed is sometimes confused with wild carrot (Queen Anne’s lace). Stems are erect, smooth, and hollow and have purple mottling. This purple mottling is one characteristic that enables you to distinguish poison hemlock from wild carrot.
Life Cycle: Biennial
Origin: Eurasia
Poisonous: Yes, extremely
This plant is extremely poisonous to horses and humans. All plant parts contain the poisonous alkaloids; however, the fruits contain the greatest concentration of the alkaloids. Poison hemlock gives off a bad odor when crushed, and horses rarely eat this plant because of its low palatability. Poison hemlock plants harvested with hay maintain the toxic properties; care should be taken to avoid feeding hay containing this plant.
Poison hemlock is relatively easy top control with herbicides. Mowing and hand-weeding should occur well before flower production to prevent seed production. Consult your local cooperative extension service personnel for herbicidal control in your area.
William W. Witt, PhD, is a retired professor and researcher in the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture’s Plant and Soil Science Department.
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