Those in Logan and surrounding counties may want to exercise some extra caution while out and about as poison hemlock is making a resurgence in the area.
Originally from Europe, poison hemlock is an invasive species that has seemingly made its home in the Bluegrass state.
Logan County Farm Bureau volunteer Darlynn Moore said the first year it is only a cluster. It is foreign, like it is part of the carrot family. It is a rosette of green, fern-like leaves. Then it will go a second year, and they actually come up as a plant and bloom.
While it may not look like much, ingesting just a small amount can be fatal to any mammal, with farm animals like cattle, horses and goats being the most susceptible.
Moore said it just depends on how much they get in their system. But also, birth defects are caused if they get some, and it will cause birth defects in the calves.
Because of the similarities in blooms and growing locations, poison hemlock can often be mistaken for Queen Anne’s lace.
Moore said the poison hemlock grows taller, around four to 10 feet, whereas Queen Anne’s lace is shorter. It produces white flower clusters in an umbrella shape. Queen Anne’s lace is sort of on its own with it being some here and there.
It is important if you do spot poison hemlock in your yard or on the road that you do not engage with it and call your local extension office for instructions. They should have all the directions and things about how to spray it. February and March is the time to spray it.
If you, someone you know or one of your animals ingests poison hemlock, seek emergency help right away.
Source: WBKO
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