We warn everyone about Ragwort and other dangerous plants but very little is said about Hemlock! The witch’s plant and the poison that (allegedly) killed Socrates.
I believe this is one of the most dangerous plants in Britain because unlike Ragwort, it can go unnoticed as it looks very like cow parsley. It will kill humans, horses, cattle and even poultry. Another dangerous aspect is that the poison can even be inhaled at certain times of the year.
Unlike Ragwort, it kills very quickly, and the entire plant is poisonous, roots, seeds and leaves.
It grows everywhere, along hedgerows, freshly dug ground and there is a type that likes marshy ground and runs along riverbanks
It should be dug up and burnt but you must wear protective clothing, thick gloves and a mask are essential you need to do that for Ragwort too. It can be killed off by strimming and mowing in the early spring to kill off mature plants and again in the late summer to kill off new seedlings. Seeds however have been found to germinate after being stored for 50 years.
Like Ragwort, it has unpleasant smell and many animals will not eat it but in the early spring when it is first growing then this is the time when most animal deaths occur. Also, like Ragwort when the plant is wilted it is more palatable but Hemlock is still toxic.
The poisons are several alkaloids and all are poisonous.
It attacks the nervous system and causes dizziness, vertigo, convulsions, progressive collapse of the respiratory system and death but the brain remains unaffected and alert up to the time of death. Not sure that is a good thing really.
So please, be very aware.
