Cynthia, that is very kind! I often hear from people that the wildflowers content is a respite. I will say that most material in the series is a bit more uplifting than poison hemlock!
Here are some flowers you may see if you walk near woods over the next couple of weeks:
I became aware of it a few years ago on Facebook, of all things, but because it's Facebook, I decided to look at other sources, and dang, if the posts on Facebook weren't actually true this time. I was very glad to know about this horrible plant because I would have assumed it was Queen Anne's Lace (which is what I know wild carrot as), which I love. I could have suffered terribly if I'd gotten close to the poison hemlock. Thanks for educating us.
Thank you for this detailed information. Larry and I are distressed to see how it has spread so rapidly everywhere. He found a plant in our backyard, down near our woodland. He dressed and he was approaching hazardous materials. One must be ever vigilant.
That's the way it is with invasive species. Species like purple loostrife, watermilfoil, and kudzu (which is more of a problem in the South, but who know, with climate change, it might creep its way to Iowa someday) quickly establish themselves and can overtake native plants.
I live in NM and love to hike and identify wildflowers. Some poisonous plants look really similar to harmless ones. You've done a fantastic job of explaining what they look like at different stages. So glad you showed one pic with the basal leaves. So often small plants look different from how they look full grown. This post is a true service to your community!
earlier this week I biked on the Clive Greenbelt and ran across a crew who were spraying invasives. I asked them about poison hemlock and -yes - they had sprayed the large clump of poison hemlock that runs along the railroad tracks. When I passed that area, I saw drooping, discolored stumps :)
Good reminders! The wild carrot/Queen Ann’s lace in some areas, such as our windbreaks, is quite tall, making it even more difficult to distinguish from poison hemlock. Now I am wondering whether the stems on the hemlock are hollow like those on wild carrot....
Probably less than I should since I normally believe I am cutting wild carrot! Long sleeves, long pants, gloves (goggles would be wise) if actually cutting by hand. But far wiser to use herbicides with all the same equipment in my opinion, if it’s truly poison hemlock. Then no matter which method used, be sure to launder work clothing separately….We also have a plant (weed, for those of us who don’t cook it) whose juices will paralyze/numb tongue and mouth: pokeweed, known further south by other names such as poke or inkberry. It has purple berries which birds like starlings and grackles and pigeons love to transport and deposit wherever they perch.
You are truly amazing. I hope you know how much light you spread in my life. A person of hope, giving others hope is a special joy.
Cynthia, that is very kind! I often hear from people that the wildflowers content is a respite. I will say that most material in the series is a bit more uplifting than poison hemlock!
Here are some flowers you may see if you walk near woods over the next couple of weeks:
https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2020/07/08/iowa-wildflower-wednesday-a-walk-by-the-woods-at-midsummer/
Very helpful article. I had no idea poison hemlock was so prevalent in our area.
I became aware of it a few years ago on Facebook, of all things, but because it's Facebook, I decided to look at other sources, and dang, if the posts on Facebook weren't actually true this time. I was very glad to know about this horrible plant because I would have assumed it was Queen Anne's Lace (which is what I know wild carrot as), which I love. I could have suffered terribly if I'd gotten close to the poison hemlock. Thanks for educating us.
I should have mentioned that wild carrot is often called Queen Anne's lace. Adding that to the post.
Once you know what it looks like, you will see it often. I pass by huge stands in railroad beds.
Thank you for this detailed information. Larry and I are distressed to see how it has spread so rapidly everywhere. He found a plant in our backyard, down near our woodland. He dressed and he was approaching hazardous materials. One must be ever vigilant.
That's the way it is with invasive species. Species like purple loostrife, watermilfoil, and kudzu (which is more of a problem in the South, but who know, with climate change, it might creep its way to Iowa someday) quickly establish themselves and can overtake native plants.
I live in NM and love to hike and identify wildflowers. Some poisonous plants look really similar to harmless ones. You've done a fantastic job of explaining what they look like at different stages. So glad you showed one pic with the basal leaves. So often small plants look different from how they look full grown. This post is a true service to your community!
Thank you! I haven't been to NM but the wildflowers are so different in that part of the country!
My guest authors and I try to show all parts of the plant and (when possible) the plant at different stages of development. Here is my archive:
https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2024/06/15/full-iowa-wildflower-wednesday-archive/
WOW—what an archive!
earlier this week I biked on the Clive Greenbelt and ran across a crew who were spraying invasives. I asked them about poison hemlock and -yes - they had sprayed the large clump of poison hemlock that runs along the railroad tracks. When I passed that area, I saw drooping, discolored stumps :)
I used to see big stands of poison hemlock on the Clive Greenbelt. Since breaking my ankle a couple of years ago I hadn't been that way.
Very useful & well-researched post. You did a great job with the photos.
Good reminders! The wild carrot/Queen Ann’s lace in some areas, such as our windbreaks, is quite tall, making it even more difficult to distinguish from poison hemlock. Now I am wondering whether the stems on the hemlock are hollow like those on wild carrot....
Great question. Apparently the stems on poison hemlock are hollow:
https://www.thespruce.com/poison-hemlock-identification-removal-6265664
I have never cut one open to confirm!
Both plants are fun to chop down, too, making distinction all the more confusing!
What kind of protective gear do you use when dealing with the poison hemlock? We've never had it on our property so I have no experience removing it.
Probably less than I should since I normally believe I am cutting wild carrot! Long sleeves, long pants, gloves (goggles would be wise) if actually cutting by hand. But far wiser to use herbicides with all the same equipment in my opinion, if it’s truly poison hemlock. Then no matter which method used, be sure to launder work clothing separately….We also have a plant (weed, for those of us who don’t cook it) whose juices will paralyze/numb tongue and mouth: pokeweed, known further south by other names such as poke or inkberry. It has purple berries which birds like starlings and grackles and pigeons love to transport and deposit wherever they perch.
Why am I smiling reading about something of no practical interest at 12:53 AM thousand miles away? Just great!!!