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Hemlock, or Conium maculatum, is a highly poisonous flowering plant native to Europe and North Africa. All parts of the plant are toxic, particularly the seeds and roots. The plant has become naturalised in Asia, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Hemlock is found in various regions of Australia, including New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia. It typically grows in damp soil near rivers, ditches, and other water bodies, but can also be found on roadsides, fields, and disturbed ground. The plant can reach heights of up to 2.5 metres and has a distinctive appearance with green stems spotted with purple or reddish-brown blotches and large fern-like leaves. Ingesting hemlock can be fatal, and it poses a significant threat to livestock in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common names | Hemlock, Poison Hemlock, Wild Carrot, Wild Parsnip, Devil's Bread, Devil's Porridge, Spotted Hemlock, Poison Parsley |
| Scientific name | Conium maculatum |
| Plant type | Herbaceous flowering plant |
| Lifecycle | Biennial or annual |
| Height | 1.5-2.5 metres (5-8 feet) tall, exceptionally 3.6 m (12 ft) |
| Stem | Smooth, green, hollow, spotted or streaked with red or purple |
| Leaves | Two- to four-pinnate, finely divided and lacy, triangular in shape, up to 50 cm (20 inches) long and 40 cm (16 inches) broad |
| Flowers | Small and white, loosely clustered with five petals |
| Seeds | Spread by small seeds; germinate mostly in autumn but occasionally in spring |
| Root | Long and penetrating; taproot is long and white |
| Toxicity | All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds and roots |
| Habitat | Damp soil near rivers, ditches, and other watery surfaces; also found on drier rough grassland, roadsides, and disturbed ground |
| Regions | Parts of Australia, including ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC, WA, and urban areas of Melbourne, Geelong, and Ballarat |
| Soil | Requires acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 6.0 and good drainage |
| Sunlight | Tolerates partial shade, prefers full sun in some varieties |
| Maintenance | Low-maintenance, slow-growing, drought-sensitive, long-lived |
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What You'll Learn
- Hemlock is native to Europe and North Africa, but has been introduced to Australia
- It is a highly poisonous plant, toxic to humans and livestock
- Hemlock is a biennial herb that can grow up to 2.5 metres tall
- It has a distinctive odour and is recognisable by its purple-spotted stems
- Hemlock is a low-maintenance tree that can take 250 years to reach maturity
Hemlock is native to Europe and North Africa, but has been introduced to Australia
Hemlock (Conium maculatum), also known as poison hemlock, is a highly poisonous flowering plant native to Europe and North Africa. It is a hardy plant that has been introduced to Australia, as well as West Asia, North America, and South America.
Hemlock is a herbaceous biennial plant that can grow up to 2.5 meters tall. It has a smooth, green, hollow stem that is usually spotted or streaked with red or purple. The leaves are triangular in shape and can be up to 50 centimeters long and 40 centimeters broad. The flowers are small and white, arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters. All parts of the hemlock plant are toxic, especially the seeds and roots, and can cause death by respiratory paralysis if ingested.
The plant grows in cool to warm temperate climates in moist conditions, often near riverbanks, roadsides, and pasture edges. It prefers acidic soil with good drainage and partial shade, especially in areas sheltered from hot afternoon sun. Hemlock is sensitive to drought and can be affected by pests and diseases, particularly the hemlock wooly adelgid, an insect native to East Asia.
In Australia, hemlock is present in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), New South Wales (NSW), Queensland (QLD), Victoria (VIC), and Tasmania (TAS). It is often found in southeastern Australia and Tasmania near rivers and in poorly drained soil. It has become naturalised in these regions and is considered an invasive weed.
The introduction of hemlock to Australia dates back to at least the 19th century. It was listed in nursery catalogues in Tasmania in 1845 and mentioned as a medicinal plant with commercial potential in the Victorian Royal Commission Report of 1871. Today, hemlock is a declared weed in NSW, VIC, and WA, and efforts are made to manage and eradicate it due to its toxicity and invasive nature.
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It is a highly poisonous plant, toxic to humans and livestock
Hemlock (Conium maculatum), also known as poison hemlock, is a highly poisonous flowering plant native to Europe and North Africa. It has become naturalised in Asia, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. All parts of the hemlock plant are toxic, particularly the seeds and roots, and especially when ingested. The plant contains coniine and other poisonous alkaloids, and is poisonous to all mammals that eat it. Intoxication has been reported in cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, rabbits, and horses. As little as six to eight hemlock leaves can be fatal for adult humans.
In Australia, hemlock is found in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia. It is often encountered around rivers in southeast Australia and Tasmania. It grows in damp soil near streams, ditches, and other water sources, but can also be found on drier grassland, roadsides, and disturbed ground. Hemlock is capable of spreading rapidly and can become an invasive weed.
The threat of poisoning to livestock is a significant concern in Australia, causing substantial economic and animal welfare impacts. Native plants that are known to kill livestock include Cooktown ironwood, poison peas, and heart-leafed poison bush. Other highly toxic plants in Australia include the oleander, the milky mangrove, stinging nettles, and the gympie gympie or 'giant stinging tree'.
It is important to note that the toxicity of plants can vary depending on factors such as the season, the age of the plant, soil type, drought conditions, and genetic variation. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when encountering unfamiliar plants and to seek medical attention immediately if accidental ingestion occurs.
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Hemlock is a biennial herb that can grow up to 2.5 metres tall
Hemlock (Conium maculatum), also known as poison hemlock, is a biennial herb that can grow up to 2.5 metres tall. It is a highly poisonous flowering plant native to Europe and North Africa, but has become naturalised in parts of Australia, Asia, and the Americas. It is a hardy plant that can live in a variety of environments and spreads rapidly, becoming an invasive weed. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the seeds and roots, and can cause death by respiratory paralysis if ingested.
Hemlock has a biennial lifecycle, meaning it produces leaves in its first year and flowers in its second year before dying. The leaves are large, fern-like, and triangular in shape, with a deep green colour and reddish-brown blotches. The flowers are small and white, arranged in umbrella-shaped clusters. Hemlock grows in cool to warm temperate climates, particularly in moist conditions near riverbanks, roadsides, and pastures.
The plant is often found in poorly drained soil near water bodies and on roadsides, disturbed ground, and waste areas. It grows well in acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 6.0 and requires regular watering, especially during drought conditions. Hemlock is sensitive to high temperatures and does not grow well in hot and humid summers or areas with hot, drying winds. It is a low-maintenance tree that is slow-growing but long-lived, taking up to 250 years to reach maturity.
Hemlock is spread primarily by seeds, which can be dispersed by water, wind, or human activities. It was introduced to Australia through natural means and human activities, becoming naturalised and spreading across various regions, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and Queensland. It is important to distinguish hemlock from similar-looking plants, such as the wild carrot plant, as ingesting hemlock can be fatal.
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It has a distinctive odour and is recognisable by its purple-spotted stems
Hemlock (Conium maculatum), also known as poison hemlock, is a highly poisonous flowering plant native to Europe and North Africa. It has become naturalised in Asia, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Hemlock is recognisable by its purple-spotted stems. The stems are smooth, green, and hollow, usually spotted or streaked with red or purple. The leaves are two- to four-pinnate, finely divided, and lacy, with an overall triangular shape. They can be up to 50 centimetres long and 40 centimetres broad. When crushed, the leaves give off an acrid smell. The plant has a distinctive odour, usually considered unpleasant, that carries with the wind.
In Australia, hemlock is found in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia. It is often found in poorly drained soil near rivers, ditches, and other watery surfaces. It also appears on roadsides, the edges of cultivated fields, and waste areas. Hemlock grows in cool to warm temperate climates in moist conditions and is sensitive to drought. It is a low-maintenance tree that is slow-growing but long-lived, sometimes taking up to 250 years to reach maturity.
All parts of the hemlock plant are toxic, particularly the seeds and roots, and especially when ingested. Ingesting more than 150–300 milligrams of coniine, approximately equivalent to six to eight hemlock leaves, can be fatal for adult humans.
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Hemlock is a low-maintenance tree that can take 250 years to reach maturity
Hemlock (Conium maculatum), also known as poison hemlock, is a highly poisonous flowering plant native to Europe and North Africa. It has become naturalised in parts of Australia, particularly near rivers in southeast Australia and Tasmania. While it is toxic to humans and other mammals if ingested, it is a low-maintenance tree that can be grown and cultivated.
Hemlock is a slow-growing but long-lived tree, with a lifespan of up to 800 years. It may take 250 years for a hemlock tree to reach maturity, and it can eventually grow to impressive heights of 40 to 70 feet or more. The growth rate of hemlock trees varies, influenced by factors such as soil quality, moisture levels, and light exposure, as well as genetic factors. They thrive in acidic soil with a pH between 4.0 and 6.0 and require good soil drainage.
When planting hemlock, it is important to choose a location with partial to full sun, depending on the species. While Western hemlock tolerates full sun better than Canadian hemlock, both species do well in partial shade, especially when sheltered from the hot afternoon sun. Hemlock trees are sensitive to drought and should be watered regularly, especially during the first two years after planting, to help them develop a strong root system.
Hemlock rarely needs pruning, but it is important to remove any damaged or diseased branches promptly. They are susceptible to pests and diseases, particularly the hemlock wooly adelgid, an insect native to East Asia. Hemlock is an evergreen tree with soft, petite needles and cascading branches, making it a graceful addition to landscapes. Its mature height of 70 feet or more is well-suited for nesting wildlife, and it is often used as a specimen tree, a hedge plant, or a living screen.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, hemlock is present in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, and Western Australia. It was listed in nursery catalogues in Tasmania in 1845.
Hemlock is a flowering plant that grows to 1.5–2.5 metres (5–8 feet) tall, exceptionally 3.6 m (12 ft). It has a smooth, green, and hollow stem, usually spotted or streaked with red or purple. The leaves are two- to four-pinnate, finely divided and lacy, overall triangular in shape, up to 50 centimetres (20 inches) long and 40 cm (16 in) broad.
Yes, all parts of the hemlock plant are highly toxic to humans and livestock and will cause death by respiratory paralysis if ingested. It is also poisonous to other mammals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, donkeys, rabbits, and horses.
Hemlock reproduces and spreads only by seed. It can be spread over short distances by wind or water, and over long distances by humans, through farm or horticultural machinery, vehicles, contaminated soil, clothing, or farm produce such as hay or silage.
