Hemlock

 

Summer is here and all the beautiful flowers and trees have flourished in vibrant colours. There are dangers to be aware of though. Amongst the lovely scenery of rich plants are some dangerous types. One of the most poisonous plants around is Hemlock. It looks innocent, and is a white spray of tiny flowers blossoming like clouds on elegant bushes. The hemlock can trick you as it looks very similar to other flowers and can be mistaken for Baby's Breath, Water hemlock, Queen Anne's Lace and Cow Parsley. Hemlock is a deadly plant and eating it will cause death. Touching it and breathing it will also be harmful, so avoid going near the plant. Look carefully and see that Hemlock has hairless green stems covered in blood coloured splotches.  

This poisonous beauty is invasive and spreads. It isn't just the flowers that is poisonous but all of it, including its roots, leaves, stems and seeds. This plant is scientifically called Conium maculatum, and it's other names are Poison hemlock, Wild hemlock, Poison Parsley, Beaver's Poison, Warlock's Weed and much more names. It's a biennial type of plant that requires little as it's considered hardy and adapts to cold and warm climates. Hemlock can grow up to 10 foot tall and herbaceous. While used to treat all manner of diseases and ailments in the past, it was also used to execute criminals in ancient times. The Greek philosopher, Socrates, drank hemlock tea and died. Certain witches used Hemlock in making potions. Hemlock isn't related to the hemlock tree at all, but Hemlock is part of the carrot family.  

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