Parsley Family This common plant is often found growing in ditches, swampy areas, and even wet fields. Like Poison Hemlock, Water Hemlock is very poisonous, it contains cicutoxin. Children have died from making blowguns from the stems of both of these plants. All parts of the plant contain the toxin, most animals are affected if they consume Water Hemlock. Perennial Where seen:Oak Ridge Greenways, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Warriors' Path SP, widespread
Parsley Family Danger - Poisonous (INN) Rank 2 Poison Hemlock is a wildflower and should not be confused with the evergreen hemlock tree. This is a very common roadside plant which is often found in large masses near ditches and wet areas. It looks like Queen Anne's Lace on steroids! Unlike Queen Anne's Lace though, it is deadly poisonous; the chemical responsible is coniine. All parts of the plant are poisonous and most domesticated animals are affected. This plant was responsible for the death of Socrates. The symptoms of Water Hemlock poisoning are horrible: convulsions, vomiting, weak pulse, paralysis, and eventually, coma, followed by death. The purple spotted stem is a good identifying trait for this plant (the species name "maculatum" means "spotted"). Notice the insects on the flowers. Biennial Where seen:Oak Ridge Greenways, Warriors' Path SP, widespread
Parsley Family Danger! - Poisonous Aquatic This plant is often found along lake banks. I photographed this one blooming on the shore of Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge. Cowbane is poisonous if ingested. Perennial Where seen:Oak Ridge Greenways, Great Smoky Mountains NP, Warriors' Path SP, widespread
