Poison Plant Blooming In Ohio: How To Spot It, What To Know

OHIO — A poisonous plant is now in full bloom in Ohio.

Poison hemlock is a noxious weed that is extremely harmful to humans and animals, according to the Ohio State University Extension. The roots of the plant are more toxic than the leaves and stems, but all parts of the plant (including seeds) should be considered dangerous, the extension said.

Poison hemlock has white flowers that grow in small clusters. Mature versions of the plant can grow to be 6 to 10 feet tall.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture:

Each flower develops into a green, deeply ridged fruit that contains several seed. After maturity, the fruit turns grayish brown. Poison-hemlock starts growing in the early spring. It usually grows for 2 years, but in favorable locations it may be a perennial. Roots of poison-hemlock may easily be mistaken for wild parsnips. Poison-hemlock grows along fence lines, in irrigation ditches, and in other moist, waste places. It may be 2 to 3 meters tall. The hollow stem usually is marked with small purple spots. Leaves are delicate, like parsley, and it has a white taproot. Poison hemlock is a biennial in the parsnip or wild carrot family.

People could be poisoned by eating any part of a hemlock plant, the USDA said. "Often, poisoning occurs after the victim confuses hemlock root with wild parsnips, hemlock leaves with parsley, or hemlock seed with anise," information from that agency says.

"The toxins must be ingested or enter through the eyes or nasal passages to induce poisoning; they do not cause skin rashes or blistering," said Joe Boggs of the Ohio State Extension. "Regardless, this plant should not be handled because sap on the skin can be rubbed into the eyes or accidentally ingested while handling food."

Whistles made from hollow stems of poison hemlock have caused death in children, the USDA said.

Even just touching it can have negative impacts on humans. An Ohio man has been hospitalized in the ICU for more than a month after handling it while doing yard work, according to WKRC.

Anyone who handles poison hemlock should wear gloves and pants, experts advise.