NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A highly toxic plant that can be deadly if ingested is spreading fast across the Volunteer State.
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) is about to flower in Tennessee and is already spreading along roadsides, fields and fence lines, according to the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
Experts say the plant is toxic to humans and animals, adding that just touching or inhaling particles while cutting can be harmful.
Here’s everything you need to know and look for as Poison Hemlock begins to flower in Tennessee.
What is Poison Hemlock?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Poison Hemlock can be found throughout the United States and has white flowers that grow in small clusters.
The flower reportedly begins to grow in early spring and tends to grow along fence lines, irrigation ditches and in other moist places.
Officials described the plant as having a “hollow stem usually marked with small purple spots” with leaves that are delicate, like parsley, and has a white taproot.
If ingested, what are the symptoms?
Experts warn that all parts of Poison Hemlock—including the leaves, stem, fruit, and root—are poisonous, especially in the spring when the plant flowers.
According to the USDA, ingestion of the plant is “frequently fatal.” In fact, sheep can reportedly be positioned by eating as little as three ounces of green leaves. Animals can die from respiratory paralysis in 2 to 3 hours after eating the plant.
The USDA said signs of poisoning include:
- Nervous trembling
- Lack of coordination
- Dilation of pupils
- Respiratory paralysis
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Coma
- Convulsions
- Bloody feces and gastrointestinal irritation
- Skeletal defects in calves
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Clinic reports that humans won’t get a rash from touching the plant, but added that people with sensitive skin can develop dermatitis. In severe cases, hemlock poisonings can reportedly cause complications such as: slow heartbeat, low blood pressure, muscle paralysis and kidney failure.
How to safely remove the plant from your property
The Tennessee Department of Agriculture said residents should never mow or burn Poison Hemlock on their property. Instead, people should use gloves to remove the plant and consult with their local extension office for safe removal options.
Officials said hand pulling may be effective for small populations of the plant and recommend bagging it before disposing to prevent seed dispersal.
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