Poison Hemlock and Water Hemlock
Both poison hemlock and water hemlock are toxic plants found across the United States, often growing along roadsides, in fields, and in other open areas. While touching the plants may cause skin irritation, ingesting them can be very dangerous, especially for children who may pick or handle wildflowers while outdoors.
???? Watch the video to learn how to recognize these plants and why they pose a risk. If you think someone has been exposed to poison hemlock or water hemlock, call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 for fast, free, and confidential advice.
Transcript with visual descriptions
Visual: Thumbnail with an image of water hemlock plants and the video title “Is water hemlock poisonous?”. The Missouri Poison Center logo is at the bottom right.
Sound: Upbeat instrumental music begins.
Visual: Person 1, wearing a striped flat cap, white shirt, and black vest, holding a pipe, stands in front of a blurred background of old buildings. Text “HEMLOCK HOLMES” is at the top.
Person 1: I’m Hemlock Holmes, and it’s time for a silly question: Which one of these do you think is poison? Water Hemlock or Poison Hemlock?
Sound: Buzzer sound effect.
Person 1: Wrong! It’s both! Both of them are poison! I don’t know who was in charge of naming these but I feel like they could have gone about it differently. In fact, Water Hemlock is more toxic than Poison Hemlock.
Visual: Picture of water hemlock plants with small white flowers against a blue sky.
Person 1: It’s found throughout the US near fences, roadsides, abandoned construction sites and in pastures and fields.
Visual: Back with Person 1.
Person 1: Both hemlock varieties are crowned with a delicate, lacy white flower.
Visual: A young boy wearing a hat and red shirt holds a magnifying glass, looking at orange flowers.
Person 1: And you know how children like to pick flowers while they’re out hiking, or in fields, or unsupervised in the grocery store.
Visual: Back with Person 1.
Person 1: Touch exposure will thankfully only result in skin rash and irritation. But if they put it in their mouth? It can be not good.
Visual: Missouri Poison Center logo and phone number 1-800-222-1222 on a white screen. Text “Open 24/7!” and “There’s always an expert standing by that’s ready to consult on evaluation and management.” are displayed.
Person 1: If you believe your child has come into contact with water hemlock, call the Missouri Poison Center right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Visual: Back with Person 1.
Person 1: It’s fast, free, and confidential! And it could save your life.
