Poisonous Weed Spreading Rapidly In Pennsylvania

STATE COLLEGE, PA - Agricultural experts at the Penn State Extension are warning that poison hemlock, the same poison that supposedly killed the Greek philosopher Socrates, is spreading rapidly in Pennsylvania.

Even small amounts of the biannual weed are toxic to livestock. Significant poisoning can result in muscle paralysis and suffocation, extension agriculturalists warned.

"This weed has been expanding to new regions in the state and its growth has become more aggressive," Jeffrey Graybill of the Penn State Extension. "The weed can be found growing in fallow areas, fence rows, pastures, roadsides and creeksides."

Poison hemlock can grow up to six feet tall and can be identified by purple spots on its stems, its finely divided leaves and its musty smell.

Care should be taken when eradicating the plant. Gloves and protective clothing should be worn, as contact with the skin has caused irritation for some people. Individual plants can be dug up using a shovel.

More information on how to identify poison hemlock can be found here.