Look Alike Weeds and Health

Articles have appeared recently about two poisonous plants that are in bloom at this time of year. Questions have come up on several different social media pages asking if they are the same plant.

You can find information about the dangers of these plants at http://turfweeds.cals.cornell.edu/weeds-and-human-health

Poison hemlock is a different plant from giant hogweed although they look very similar. Giant Hogweed is Heracleum mantegazzianum and Poison Hemlock is Conium maculatum.

It would be excellent if media outlets understood that many plants look alike but the scientific names are assigned to a specific plant. They should print the scientific name with the common one (s). This would help anyone interested in finding out more about a specific plant.
There are several look-alike plants in our area.

Cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum), Wild Parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum), Angelica (Angelica spp.), & Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota). Queen Anne's Lace 

A Facebook post prompted a quick review of the problems with these plants.

You can find more information (and photos) online at http://turfweeds.cals.cornell.edu/weeds-and-human-health

Giant Hogweed -When exposed to skin, giant hogweed sap causes phytophotodermatitis, a chemical burn from increased sensitivity to sunlight.

Poison Hemlock-Its sap can cause dermatitis (skin irritation) on some people-can be severe; all parts of poison-hemlock are poisonous, esp. spring leaves; people may be poisoned by eating any part of a hemlock plant; Whistles made from hollow stems of poison-hemlock have caused death in children.

Cow parsnip - It can cause rashes, burns, and blisters.

Wild parsnip- It can cause photodermatitis when combined with sunlight. Contact with sap can cause severe burns, blisters, and photosensitivity.

Angelica- It may cause sensitivity to sunlight and contact dermatitis.

Queen Anne's Lace-May cause phytophotodermatitis where sap touches the skin and is exposed to sunlight; wear long sleeves if handling.

CKagan, Master Gardener

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