This deadly plant could be growing near your NC home. Here’s how to get rid of it
Though it may look like a common weed, there’s a deadly plant found in many areas of North Carolina — and it could be growing near your home.
Poison hemlock, which can reach heights of six to nine feet, “has a white fleshy taproot with red spots that resemble a parsnip and hollow stems with small purple spots,” with “showy white flowers that look like umbrellas,” according to the N.C. State Extension.
The green plant is usually found along roadsides, fences, streambanks and in ditches.
While the plant resembles those found in the carrot family, it is highly toxic to humans and animals, and can be fatal if eaten.
Where is poison hemlock found?
Poison hemlock has been identified in 21 counties in North Carolina, according to the N.C. Division of Parks & Recreation.
Mecklenburg
Union
Cabarrus
Stanly
Iredell
Rowan
Cleveland
Buncombe
Haywood
Mitchell
Wilkes
Surry
Alleghany
Guilford
Alamance
Orange
Wake
Lee
Franklin
Beaufort
Martin
What are the symptoms of hemlock poisoning?
Nearly all parts of the poison hemlock plant are poisonous, according to the N.C. State Extension. Symptoms of poison hemlock ingestion include:
Salivation
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Muscular weakness
Paralysis
Nervousness
Trembling
Dilation of pupils
Weak pulse
Convulsions
Coma
Touching poison hemlock can also lead to contact dermatitis in people with sensitive skin, according to Cleveland Clinic. In rare cases, hemlock can enter your bloodstream through a cut or through your eyes or nose.
How is hemlock poisoning treated?
If you think you have ingested poison hemlock, you should call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room immediately, according to Cleveland Clinic.
There is no antidote for hemlock poisoning, but it can be treated by:
Mechanical ventilation if you’re having trouble breathing.
Antiseizure medication to control seizures
Hemodialysis for renal failure
Digestive system cleanse to get rid of the toxin
IV fluids to prevent dehydration
How to prevent hemlock poisoning
The best way to prevent hemlock poisoning is by removing the plant.
Experts recommend digging out the roots of the plant while wearing gloves, face masks and other protective clothing, according to Healthline. You shouldn’t burn the plants, since the fumes can trigger asthma symptoms.
You can also use herbicides to kill the plant in the late fall or spring, when they begin to grow.
This story was originally published July 28, 2023 at 10:27 AM.
