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What You Can Do Poison hemlock is a regulated Class B noxious weed in Island County meaning that control is legally required. All parts of the plant are poisonous when eaten and even dead canes remain toxic for up to three years. Toxins can also be absorbed through the skin and respiratory system so always wear protective clothing (gloves, glasses, mask) when handling this plant. If you suspect poisoning, call for help immediately. In both humans and animals, quick medical treatment can reverse the effects of hemlock poisoning.

Control Methods Manual: For small sites, pull or dig up plants. Remove entire root. Wear protective clothing including eye protection and wash your In late winter, look for mounds of hands thoroughly after handling plant matter. To be fully effective, all bright green, lacy leaves.The largest mature plants need to be removed so no new seeds are produced. Do clumps are second-year plants not leave flower heads on the ground as the seeds can remain building up energy to flower and viable. Composting is not recommended; instead place in a plastic trash seed later in the spring. bag and toss into your regular trash.

Mechanical: Plants can be mowed or cut back with a weed-eater before going to flower. Protect yourself with a dust mask to avoid inhaling toxins while mowing. Adding a layer of mulch to the area after it has been cleared or replanting with desirable vegetation will reduce germination of poison hemlock seeds present in the soil.

Chemical: Follow labels exactly as written and only use products appropriate and legal for the site. Herbicides should only be applied at the rates specified on the label. Foliar herbicides are most effective if applied to actively growing plants in the spring, followed by another application later in the summer for late sprouts. Spray plants before they flower for best results. Spraying may not prevent seed production in mature plants. A selective broadleaf herbicide with the active ingredient triclopyr, 2,4-D or metsulfuron will work well for lawn or pasture areas as it won’t harm grasses. Glyphosate products (such as Roundup) work also but they kill grass as well as broadleaf plants. Apply the herbicide to the entire leaf and Wild Carrot Poison hemlock is often confused stem surface and do not cut down with wild carrot (Daucus carota) as the treated plants until they have

well as other similar-looking died. This may take two weeks or members of the parsley family more. Seeds germinate throughout including fennel, chervil and anise. the season, so repeat treatment is

However, poison hemlock can be necessary to eliminate all plants. distinguished in a couple of ways. It Chemical control options may

grows to heights of 8 feet or more; its differ for private, commercial and leaves give off a strong musty smell; government agency users. For and its hairless stems have reddish or questions about herbicide use, purple blotches/spotting. In contrast, Don’t be fooled: wild carrot typically only grows to contact the Island County Wild carrot (sometimes about 3 feet; its plain green stems Noxious Weed Control Program. called Queen Anne’s Lace) have fine hairs with fewer branches; is often confused with and it flowers later in the summer. 360-678-7992; [email protected] poison hemlock.

Revised July 2013