Mow this poisonous plant now, Missouri officials warn

COLUMBIA, Mo. – With summer right around the corner, a toxic springtime plant is nearing its peak bloom. It may look harmless, but Missouri officials warn: Mow it now before it spreads.

Poison hemlock, also known as common water hemlock, typically grows in ditches, roadways, fence rows and occasionally in pastures or hayfields.

The Missouri Department of Conservation describes poison hemlock as a tall pant with five petals and many leafy branches. Its stems are often streaked with purple, and the plant can grow up to six feet tall.

Earlier this week, the University of Missouri Extension shared this guidance via Facebook: “Mow or spot spray poison hemlock now.”

The full article is available at ozarksfirst.com.

(Story by Joey Schneider, ozarksfirst.com)