Highly Toxic Plant Becoming Widespread in Eastern Iowa

A toxic plant that can turn lethal is becoming more prevalent in Eastern Iowa.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports that experts at Iowa State University say that poison hemlock is becoming more widespread throughout the state of Iowa. While it isn't necessarily spreading faster, there are some factors that are causing it to populate faster.

What Does Poison Hemlock Look Like?

Poison hemlock is a biennial plant that has tall, smooth stems with fern-like leaves and clustered small white flowers, according to the Gazette. They can grow anywhere from 2 to 10 feet tall. The plant begins growing in the springtime and is highly toxic, posing serious health risks if consumed. Humans and animals can both die if they ingest the plant.

Where Do You Find Poison Hemlock? 

The Gazette reports that the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says that poison hemlock is widespread across the Midwest, and benefits from 'disturbed' areas. Those areas can include ditches, flood plains, creeks, rivers, anywhere that running water can carry seeds downstream. The DNR says the plants will often grow along fences, margins between fields, and woodlands.

How Do You Get Rid of Poison Hemlock?

Since the plant has a two-year life cycle, it can be difficult to get rid of. The Gazette reports that if the plant is flowering, it can be cut and disposed of as trash. But a more effective way to get rid of the poisonous plant is to use herbicides close to where the plant is growing in the ground during its first year of life.

Get our free mobile app