How To Identify Poison Hemlock In Oklahoma

Plants are growing all across Oklahoma! Spring rains and sunshine have brought up grass and plants across the state. Many residents have been working tirelessly in the yards and gardens to get it all in shape. But as people work to remove unwanted plants, they'll want to be sure they don't come across poison hemlock as the plant is extremely dangerous to humans.

Oklahoma is home to poison hemlock and spotted water hemlock. Both of which are toxic to humans and animals. And there are several plants in Oklahoma that look very similar to poison hemlock and spotted water hemlock, so residents could easily come across the toxic plants without even thinking twice about it. Both poison hemlock and spotted water hemlock are toxic for humans and animals to touch or ingest!

Recently the Oklahoma State University Natural Resources Extension put together several graphics for how to spot poison hemlock and spotted water hemlock and how to differentiate the toxic plants from similar plants.

How To Spot Poison Hemlock

Here's what to look for when it comes to identifying poison hemlock:

• White flowers spread like clusters
• Height up to 6 ft
• Hairless, hollow, purple-splotched stems
• No bristles or barbs
• Lobed leaves

How To Identify Spotted Water Hemlock

Spotted Water Hemlock has some similarities to poison hemlock. Here's how to identify the toxic plant:

• White flowers spread like clusters
• Height up to 6 ft
• Hairless, hollow and purple-striped stems
• No barbs or bristles
• Tooth-edged leaves

READ MORE: Full List Of All The Poisonous Plants Found In Oklahoma

Plants That Look Like Poison Hemlock

Oklahoma has a lot of white flowering plants that can look very much like poison hemlock. Below are the plants that could be confused as the toxic plant:

• Hedge Parsley
• Queen Anne's Lace
• American Wild Carrot
• Common Yarrow

Check out the Facebook post from the Oklahoma State University Natural Resources Extension for a full breakdown of the plants that look like poison hemlock.