Poison Hemlock
(Conium maculatum)

Other common names: Snakeweed

French names: Ciguë maculée

Family: Parsley Family (Apiaceae), Carrot Family (Apiaceae)

Distinctive features: Spotted stem.

Similar species:
  •   Japanese Hedge Parsley (Torilis japonica) - A much more delicate plant

  •   Spreading Hedge Parsley (Torilis arvensis) - A much more delicate plant

  •   Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata) - Grows in wet areas; leaves are not finely divided.

  •   Bulb-bearing Water Hemlock (Cicuta bulbifera) - Grows in wet areas; leaves are very narrow.

  •   Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) - A tree; similar in name only; no relation; not poisonous. See the Ontario Trees & Shrubs website.

Flowers: Summer;  White;  5 parts (petals)

Leaves: Alternate;  Compound/Divided;  Toothed

Stem: Spotted stem.

Poisonous: ***DEADLY POISONOUS***

Books: Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 220   

Native/Non-native: Non-Native

Origin and Meaning of Names:
 Scientific Name: maculatum: spotted


Photographs: 45 photographs available, of which 5 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.


Photograph by Glenda Theresa Lucas

A view of the overall plant.


Photograph by Glenda Theresa Lucas

The flower umbel.


Photograph by Glenda Theresa Lucas


Photograph by Glenda Theresa Lucas

Closeup showing the spotted stem.


Photograph by Glenda Theresa Lucas

Some leaves. They are finely divided, feather-like.

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