Montana is full of wonderful and sometimes dangerous things like bears, bison, Rattlesnakes, and Hemlock?

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Poison Hemlock/Wild Parsley

Right now, in Montana, even in Cascade County, you can spot Poison Hemlock growing in all kinds of places.  Poison Hemlock loves moisture, so you can see it along streams and ditches in the mountains and on the plains.

What Part of the Plant is Toxic?

All of it.  Every single bit of the plant all the way down to the seeds is toxic if ingested.

Can a Person be Poisoned by Touching Poison Hemlock?

Usually, no you can't be poisoned by touching it.  If you have sensitive skin, it can irritate you.  However, if you have an open wound, or parts of the plant get into your eyes or nose, the toxic alkaloids can make their way into your bloodstream.  Symptoms begin to appear in about 30 minutes.

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What are the Symptoms of Hemlock Poisoning? From My Cleveland Clinic:

  • Sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Dilated Pupils
  • Excess Salivation
  • Dry Mouth
  • Rapid Heartbeat
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Restlessness or Confusion
  • Muscle Weakness or Twitches
  • Tremors and Seizures

What is the Antidote?

Sadly, there isn't one.  Your doctor can only treat your symptoms.  If you think you may have been poisoned, it's best to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

It Looks A Lot Like Other Plants Across Montana

Sometimes, Poison Hemlock can be hard to identify.  From Evergreen Seeds, it looks much like:

  • Queen Anne's Lace
  • Cow Parsley
  • Angelica
  • Wild Parsnips
  • Wild Carrots
  • Yarrow
  • Wild Hogweed
  • Wild Fennel
  • Eder Flower
  • Pignut
  • Ground Elder

Keep Scrolling to see Poison Hemlock and the plants that resemble it.

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