This plant is native to Europe and the Mediterranean region and to southern Africa. No doubt it was brought to North America by immigrants. It is a member of the Parsley or Wild Carrot family and blooms in May and June.
Hemlock is a very toxic plant and should be left alone. It contains certain alkaloids and chemicals similar to nicotine. It is a neurotoxin, which disrupts certain functions of the central nervous system and is toxic to humans and livestock. Ingestion in any quantity can result in respiratory collapse and death. These toxins cause death by blocking the neuromuscular junction, resulting in an ascending muscular paralysis with eventual paralysis of the respiratory muscles, resulting in death due to the lack of oxygen to the heart and brain.
In ancient Greece, hemlock was used to poison condemned prisoners. The most famous victim of hemlock poisoning was the philosopher Socrates. After being condemned to death for impiety in 399 B.C., he was given potent drink made from the hemlock plant.
This plant was also used as a sedative and for it antispasmodic properties. It was also used by Greek and Persian physicians for a variety of problems, such as arthritis. The difference in therapeutic and toxic amount is very slight. Overdoses caused paralysis , loss of speech, followed by depression of the respiratory functions, and then death.
Hemlock is blooming now at the end of June and can be found in ditches in boggy areas. It requires very moist conditions. Other common names are Beaver Poison, Devil's Porridge and Spotted Hemlock. Plants can reach heights of up to 8 feet.
"They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgement springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the fields."
Hosea 10:4 KJV
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