Poison hemlock, a biennial weed in the carrot family, is a deadly plant in North Carolina. It is mostly located in the Piedmont region but is sometimes scattered in mountain areas. You’ll usually find it flowering from May through the summer months along pastures, roadsides, railroads, and river or stream banks if it grows. While poisoning rarely occurs, it is important to learn how to identify these poisonous plants in North Carolina.

The hemlocks are members of the carrot family.
Botanischer Bilderatlas nach De Candolle's Natürlichem Pflanzensystem, Carl Hoffmann, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
This poisonous plant can look like many other plants.
Danny S., CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
It's important to know how to identify it among other vegetation.
José Luis Romero Rego, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR , via Wikimedia Commons
Look closely at the design of the leaves.
Magnefl, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
And remember, the roots are the most poisonous parts of the plants.

Related Stories

North Carolina Declares State of Emergency in Response to Rampant Wildfires

North Carolina Declares State of Emergency in Response to Rampant Wildfires

 Sapphire is the Perfect Southeastern Winter Travel Destination

Sapphire is the Perfect Southeastern Winter Travel Destination

 If North Carolina Had An Official News Anchor/Reporter, We Would Nominate Renee Chou

If North Carolina Had An Official News Anchor/Reporter, We Would Nominate Renee Chou
Their white flower heads are a marked characteristic.
Mathieu Menand, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR , via Wikimedia Commons
One concern is it can look very similar to Queen Anne’s Lace.
USFWSmidwest, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Poison hemlock can grow up to 10 feet tall and Queen Anne’s Lace doesn’t grow much taller than three feet. And poison hemlock stems are smooth, while Queen Anne’s Lace stems are covered with tiny hairs.
Look up close so you can identify the flowers.
Yoan Martin, CC BY-SA 2.0 FR , via Wikimedia Commons
While both have small white flowers that form umbrella-like structures, those from the poison hemlock are more rounded than Queen Anne’s Lace.
Check out the stem of the poison hemlock plant.
Danny S., CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Do you see the red splotches? Queen Anne’s Lace has a solid green stem.
This map shows in which counties poison hemlock has been found.
North Carolina Parks

While hiking is part of the summer experience, be aware that this deadly plant in North Carolina exists. Also, protect yourself by covering up with long sleeves, pants, and hiking boots. And if you’re clothing has been exposed, be sure to wash it separately in hot water and soap. Discover more about this poisonous plant on the National Park Service‘s website.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Piedmont Triad Regional Council, 1398 Carrollton Crossing Dr, Kernersville, NC 27284, USA