Hemlock advice

Get growing

Stay safe around Hemlock

Hemlock is a poisonous plant that can be dangerous to people and animals. Please read this guide to help keep yourself and others safe.

How to spot Hemlock

• Look for purple or reddish spots on the main stem.
• The stem is smooth, hollow, and has pairs of branches with feathery, triangle-shaped leaves.
• It has a long white root.
• If damaged, it smells musty and unpleasant—unlike edible plants like carrots or parsley.

Hemlock can look like carrots, parsnips, chervil, or cow parsley, so be careful.

Where it grows

• Hemlock likes damp places like riverbanks, ditches, waste ground, and roadside edges.
• It flowers in June and July with umbrella-shaped white flower clusters.

Removing Hemlock safely

• Always wear gloves, a mask, and protective clothing.
• Dig out the whole plant, including the root. You can also use weed killer (glyphosate).
• Wash your hands well after handling it.
• Keep checking the area for new growth.

Why Hemlock is dangerous

• Hemlock is very toxic and can be deadly to humans and animals.
• Both fresh and dried plants are poisonous.
• Touching it can cause skin rashes or eye irritation.
• Eating any part of it can affect your nerves and breathing, and may cause serious illness or death.

Symptoms of poisoning

Symptoms can appear within 30 minutes to 3 hours and include:

• shaking or trembling
• burning feeling in the stomach
• drooling
• large pupils
• muscle pain and weakness
• fast then slow heartbeat
• trouble speaking
• seizures or passing out

What to do in an emergency

• get medical help immediately
• if possible, take a sample of the plant
• don’t try to make the person vomit
• keep them calm and still