Poison Hemlock, a dangerous noxious weed, is now in full growth around Idaho and that has prompted state noxious weed officials to launch a public awareness campaign warning residents about this plant that has been documented as being fatal for humans and all classes of livestock.

 Roger Batt,  Idaho Weed Awareness Campaign coordinator says that this deadly weed was brought to Idaho under curious circumstances. “Most noxious and invasive plants are introduced as ornamental plants into the United States and poison hemlock was introduced from Europe as a garden ornamental. Batt says this is the time of year when this dangerous weed becomes a real issue of public safety. Poison Hemlock has been proven to be deadly to both animals and humans.  It is so toxic that  horses and cows literally can die within hours after eating this poisonous plant.  Poison Hemlock grows 3-8 feet tall with a smooth green stem, usually spotted or streaked with red or purple on the lower half of the stem. The leaves are finely divided and lacy, overall triangular in shape. The weed has flowers that are small, white in clusters that resemble the spokes of an umbrella.

Typically Poison Hemlock grows in riparian areas, stream banks, canal and ditch banks, borders of pastures, and cultivated fields. Go to www.idahoweedawareness.com for more information.