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DESCRIPTION:
Poison hemlock is a tall
biennial weed native to Europe and found throughout California. Seeds
germinate in April and May; the plant matures in July and
August. Poison hemlock infests roadsides, ditch banks, pastures, and
sometimes vineyards and orchards planted in low-lying riparian areas.
Poisonous alkaloids are contained in all plant parts.
Seed leaves are light green, three to five times longer than wide,
and have prominent veins underneath. The first true leaves are
smooth and deeply cut two to three times like a parsley leaf. When
crushed the plant gives off a parsniplike odor. Mature leaves divide
into two or three segments that are deeply lobed or toothed. Stems
are smooth and are often dark green with purplish markings. Flowers
are borne in loose umbrella-shaped clusters on stalks that are
1/4 to 3/4 inches long. The fruit is oval and grainy with longitudinal
ribs and contains 2 grayish brown seeds, about 1/8 inch long and
less in width.
Broadleaf
ID illustration.
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