Poison Hemlock is a highly toxic intruder in the Salish Sea region. It displaces native vegetation and has caused the deaths of pets and livestock alike. Ingestion can lead to health complications in humans as well. Look for purple splotches on a hairless stem to tell apart from look-alikes such as Queen Anne’s Lace and garden carrots. 

Exercise caution when removing this plant. Wear gloves, long sleeves and a mask when pulling or mowing. It’s carrot-like roots are easy to pull. If using herbicide, apply it to leaves & stems before flowers bloom. 

(Image credit: Cornell University)