Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a deadly toxic member of the parsley and carrot family. It's used in ancient Greece to put condemned prisoners to death. Poison hemlock is a flowering plant, not to be confused with the hemlock tree, a non-poisonous conifer.
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Six to eight hemlock leaves are fatal for humans. Poison has higher concentration in seeds and roots. It's toxic to livestock and pets. There is no known antidote.
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On average 1.5 - 2.5 m (5-8 ft) tall, poison hemlock has fern-like leaves and clusters of white flowers in umbrella patterns. The stem is smooth, green and hollow, often streaked or spotted red or purple at the top, and on the lower half. The plant is hairless.
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Native to Europe and the North African Mediterranean, the hardy hemlock easily spreads to other regions. It's found wild in England and naturalized in Asia, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
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In Greek mythology, poison hemlock is one of the plants sacred to Hecate (Hekate), goddess of magic, witchcraft, necromancy, night, the Underworld, ghosts and the moon. Another is yew. Hekate is often equated with Mesopotamian Ereshkigal.
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Poison hemlock can be confused with wild parsley (cow parsley) or wild carrot (Queen Anne's Lace), non-toxic relatives of C. maculatum. Cow parsley has no blotches on the stem.
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Wild carrot also has an unspotted stem, with fine hairs, and grows up to 1.2 m (4 ft). It may have a small dark red or purple flower in the center of the white blossoms. The plant with the purple bud in the flower is safe. The bud doesn't appear in all wild carrot flowers.
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Medicinally, poison hemlock is not recommended. Socrates commits suicide with Conium maculatum after receiving the death penalty for corrupting the minds of Greek youth. Even a small amount can kill a person.
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Poison hemlock is bitter and distasteful to animals. When the plant is crushed it sends a foul smell. Toxins in plants originally develop as self-defense mechanisms to deter insects and browsers like deer. Poisonous plants are often used as insecticides.
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The unpleasant odor of poison hemlock when crushed contributes to chthonic associations with death and the Underworld. In Christian tradition hemlock grows on the hill where Jesus is crucified.
When his blood touches the hemlock, the plant becomes poison. In folklore, because hemlock is toxic it's linked to evil spirits and witchcraft. Poison hemlock can be used in magic for purification, to maintain chastity or depress libidinous urges.
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Symptoms of hemlock poisoning can show up almost right away after consuming the plant. Hemlock poisoning symptoms include:
Sweating
Vomiting
Dilated pupils (mydriasis)
Excess salivation - drooling
Dry mouth (xerostomia)
Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Restlessness or confusion
Muscle weakness and muscle twitches (myoclonus)
Tremors and seizures
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Symptoms can last 48 - 72 hours. Artificial respiration can help prevent death until the symptoms wear off. Some people have allergic reaction on skin contact with the plant.
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In more severe cases, hemlock poisoning can cause delayed complications such as:
Slow heartbeat (bradycardia)
Low blood pressure (hypotension)
Muscle paralysis
Muscle breakdown and muscle death (rhabdomyolysis)
Kidney failure (renal failure)
Central nervous system depression
Death
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Touching or handling the plant can cause allergic reactions, such as rash or difficulty breathing. There's no known antidote to wild hemlock poisoning. Doctors treat the symptoms and hope for the patient's recovery.
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