Deadly plant, poison hemlock, found growing in Orange County

A deadly plant was found growing in multiple areas in Orange County, and residents are asked to report it if they see it.

Poison hemlock, or Conium maculatum, is also called California fern, deadly hemlock, Nebraska fern, poison fool's parsley, poison hemlock, poison parsley, spotted hemlock and winter fern.

It was found on Highway 70 between Efland and Hillsborough, Highway 70A between Churton Road and Highway 86 South, and in the vicinity of Lloyd Farm, Miller Road, Governor Burke Road and Squires Road.

According to the county, poison hemlock can be deadly if eaten.

"All parts of the plant are poisonous, with the mature plant and seeds/fruit being more toxic than other parts," according to a release.

The county included photos of the Hemlock in various stages of bloom so people can identify it.

Poison hemlock is described as having a foul odor. It appears as a low-growing rosette in its first year, developing a tall stalk in its second year, which can grow up to 9 feet.

The plant can act as a perennial and has tiny flowers that are small, white and form in umbrella-like clusters.

Poison Hemlock's flowers bloom from spring to fall.

The toxins in the plant if ingested can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, muscular weakness, paralysis, nervousness, trembling, dilation of pupils, weak pulse, convulsions, coma and death. People can get dermatitis just through handling the plant.

Anyone who finds poison hemlock is asked to take a photo of the plant and text it to Mart Bumgarner at 804-318-7493 with the location of the plant, your name and contact number.