Poison Hemlock

POMEROY–The USDA Agricultural Research Service reports that poison-hemlock, found across the United States, is an invasive toxic plant to grazing animals and extremely poisonous to humans.

This year, there has been abundant amount of moisture in Garfield County area the Northwest, and it is observable to see healthy patches of poison-hemlock here in pastures, along roadsides, in unused corrals, skirting wheat fields, and vacant lots.

Poison-hemlock is an early spring crop that grows in pastures, along creek and river banks and grows to 6-9 feet in height. The plant has green foliage and produces small erect white flower clumps which produce seed. It usually grows for two years, but in areas can behave as a perennial. The root resembles that of wild parsnips because it is part of the parsnip and wild carrot family. Make no mistake, all parts of the poison hemlock are poisonous.

To combat poison-hemlock, according to the USDA, it is best to..."treat the plant before they begin to bud with 2, 4-D plus dicamba (1 kg = 0.5 kg ai/Ac). Repeat applications may be needed. Follow all precautions for handling herbicides."

Some signs of poisoning, according to the USDA, are nervous trembling, stimulation followed by depression Atazia, especially loser and hind limbs, salivation, lack of coordination, dilation of the pupils, rapid-weak pulse, respiratory paralysis, coma death, convulsions have also been reported, occasionally bloody feces and gastrointestinal irritation, skeletal birth defects occur in calves when cows eat poison-hemlock between 40- and 70-days gestation.

It is suggested by the USDA, to reduce losses, "avoid stressing animals that are not recumbent (lying down). For recumbent animals, support respiration and treat with activated charcoal and saline cathartic. Gastric lavage may be beneficial with atropine therapy to control parasympathetic signs. Animals that recover seldom show aftereffects, although pregnant animals may give birth to deformed offspring.