Q&A for How to Identify Water Hemlock

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Add New Question

Question

How do you get rid of it?

Karin

Top Answerer

You have to be really careful about considering getting rid of it. If it's growing in a natural area and it's native to that area, then please leave it alone; it belongs there, despite its poisonous properties. If you really feel you need to get rid of it, pulling it up (use rubber gloves) and burying or burning it is the best option. No herbicide is registered for use on water hemlock in N. America because it is a native perennial.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 17
Question

I have what looks like water hemlock growing along my fence. Can it cause hives and severe skin reactions?

Lillian Andres

Community Answer

Water Hemlock is a highly toxic plant, but the sap does not typically cause skin reactions. However, ingesting it can have negative side effects.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Do we have this hemlock plant in California?

Griffin Resources

Community Answer

No, the Eastern or Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum), infamous for its toxicity, is not native to California. However, California does have several native hemlock species, such as the Western Hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla), which is primarily found in the northern coastal regions of the state, particularly in the coastal ranges from Monterey County to Oregon. These native hemlocks are different species from the Poison Hemlock and are not known for their toxicity.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1
Question

What does water hemlock look like during the seed stage?

Walczat

Community Answer

Water hemlock seeds are tea-colored, kidney-shaped, have corky ridges, and can remain viable in the soil for up to three years.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Does water hemlock grow in southern New Brunswick?

ShaQuish Young

Community Answer

No, it does not. It is considered one of the most poisonous plants in North America, with all parts of the plant being toxic, especially the roots.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Is it common to encounter water hemlock in day-to-day life?

ShaQuish Young

Community Answer

Water hemlock commonly grows in wet areas like pond margins, stream banks, marshes, and ditches.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Where does water hemlock typically grow?

Isabel Macka

Community Answer

Water hemlock grows in wet areas such as pond margins, marshes, along streams, meadows, and pastures.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What is the difference in the root systems of these plants?

ShaQuish Young

Community Answer

The root system of water hemlock releases cicutoxin, which can contaminate water and harm aquatic organisms. Livestock and other animals can be poisoned if they ingest water containing hemlock, particularly its roots.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Does water hemlock growing in ponds poison the water?

ShaQuish Young

Community Answer

Yes, water hemlock can poison the water in a pond, particularly if the roots are disturbed.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0