ID 159662002 © Rusma Velayati | Dreamstime.com
Water Hemlock
County of Grande Prairie provides input on native poisonous plant
Aug 17, 2024 | 9:00 AM
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The County of Grande Prairie has provided some tips for residents, regarding the most poisonous plant in North America, Water Hemlock.
As Water Hemlock naturally grows in the County, a list of ways to identify the plant was provided, as it closely resembles water parsnip, cow parsnip, or common yarrow.
- Leaves: Water hemlock has compound leaves which have pointed tips and sharp teeth. The leaf veins are distinctive because they do not run directly to the tip but instead curl towards the notches between the teeth on the leaf margin.
Photo Courtesy County of Grande Prairie - Stem: The stems are round, hollow, ridged, and sometimes red/purple or mottled with red/purple spots. When cut, the stem releases a brown to yellow, oily liquid that smells like carrot or parsnip.
Photo Courtesy County of Grande Prairie - Flowers: It has small, white flowers arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters (umbels), typically blooming from June to August.
Photo Courtesy County of Grande Prairie - Root: The root resembles a tuber with chambers filled with a yellowish liquid.
The highest concentration of the plant’s poison can be found in the root bulb, and if ingested can cause seizures, respiratory failure, and death for humans, pets or livestock.
