Conium maculatum
(Poison Hemlock, Hemlock)
Poison hemlock is a coarse biennial herb with
a smooth, purple-spotted, hollow stem and leaves like
parsley. It grows 3 to 6 feet tall and in late summer
has many small white flowers in showy umbels. It has
been used as a classic admixture to witch's brews. All
plant parts are poisonous. However, the seeds contain
the highest concentration of poison. The conium alkaloids
are volatile and can even cause toxic reactions when
inhaled. The toxic components include the volatile alkaloids
coniine and gamma-conicine. Poison Hemlock is a classic
ingredient in Witchcraft brews. The entire plant should
be considered poisonous and handled with care
Conium maculatum (Poison
Hemlock) Seeds:
