Conium Maculatum, Poison Hemlock

Conium maculatum, native to Europe and North Africa, is now found in scattered areas of all the US states; it is most widespread in the east, in coastal and adjacent areas of California, and in mountainous areas of the west. It is found in moist places and/or on disturbed ground. All parts of the plant are toxic. This is a biennial species, producing leaves in the first year, flowers in the second.

The stout, hollow, hairless stems are dotted with purple blotches, and reach heights of 8 feet or more. The leaves have a short, inflated petiole, and are twice divided into evenly-toothed leaflets. The inflorescence is a terminal cluster of between eight and 20 rays, subtended by four to six sharp-pointed bracts. Bractlets are also present, five or six, similar in appearance to the bracts. Flowers are small, white, five-lobed, typical of many apiaceae species.