ST. LOUIS – As more people will be spending their time outdoors with temperatures jumping into the 80s this week, it serves as a reminder to be cautious around one plant for you and your pets.
The common water hemlock is deemed as the most poisonous plant in North America, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. The plant is described as small white flowers with five petals and many leafy branches, as well as typically streaked with purple. They can grow up to six feet tall.
It begins blooming in May and lasts through September, and can be found throughout Missouri. Usually, the plant is located throughout riverbanks, near ponds and lakes, bottomland prairies, along roadsides, railroad tracks, and ditches—essentially, it is quite common.
While they may look pleasant, they can have a fatal outcome for animals and even people.
The Missouri Department of Conservation warns that the entirety of the plant is toxic, but the most severe parts of the plant is its roots, lower stems, and new growth on them. Just a small bite of it could kill a cattle, which are the animals who often fall victim to the plant.
According to the University of Missouri Extension, it can produce up to 38,000 seeds per plant.
When any amount of common water hemlock is eaten, the plant can kill livestock within 15 minutes. MDC added, “poisoned people can suffer similarly.”
To eradicate common water hemlock, it is urged to use protective equipment like gloves, a mask, eye protection with long sleeves and plants.
For more information on removal methods of the plant, click here.