i 
38 
Range and habitat.—Poison hemlock is rather common in waste places 
and along roadsides, principally i in the Eastern and Middle States. It 
has been naturalized in this country from Europe. 
Description —From the close resemblance of the leaves of this plant 
to parsley, it is sometimes mistaken for the latter and fatal cases of 
poisoning have occurred. All parts of the plant are exceedingly 
poisonous. 
Poison hemlock belongs to the same family as the parsley, namely, 
the Apiacee. It is a biennial, about 2 to 6 feet in height, with a 
smooth, hollow stem dotted with purple, and large leaves very much 
like those of parsley. The nu- 
merous small white flowers are 
borne in rather showy umbels 
(flat-topped clusters, with stems 
from one point) and appear in 
Juneand July. The fruit ripens 
in August and September. The 
fruit is grayish-green, ribbed, 
about one-eighth of an inch long, 
ovate, laterally flattened, and 
smooth. 
The entire plant possesses a 
disagreeable mousy odor, which 
is especially noticeable when 
bruised. 
Parts used—The fruit and 
leaves are the parts used. The 
fruit should be collected while 
still green but full grown, which 
in most localities is some time in 
August. It should be dried in 
dark but well ventilated places, 
and then stored in tight cans or 
boxes where it will not be ex- 
posed to the action of light and air. 
The poison hemlock leaves should be collected when the plant is in 
flower, which will be in the second year of its growth. The stems 
should be rejected. Contrary to the usual method of drying leaves and 
herbs, the poison hemlock leaves may be quickly dried in the sun and 
then kept in tightly closed vessels. The leaves will retain their green 
color if properly cured. The odor is still very disagreeable, but not 
so pronounced as in the fresh plant. 
This very poisonous drug is used in rheumatism, neuralgia, asthma, 
and i in cases where the nervous system is in an excited condition. _ 
—_— and —_— —— of conium or poison hemlock seed 
one | 
Fie. 28.—Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.). 
