By Marianne Lincoln

It is mid-July and Wild Carrot is in bloom everywhere. Also known as Queen Anne’s Lace, the wild carrot flower is safe and pretty. But is has a deadly look alike, Poison Hemlock, and you need to know how to tell them apart. This video is pretty good, although it is amazing he is handling the Poison Hemlock without gloves., use gloves, please.

This is the best photo I have taken on Poison Hemlock. Something to remember though, it is still poisonous, even dead. Wear gloves, bag it up, dispose of it in the garbage.

Stem Characteristics
Poison Hemlock: Smooth, hairless stems with distinctive purple or reddish spots; hollow inside
Wild Carrot: Hairy, solid green stems without purple spots

Leaf Appearance
Poison Hemlock: Large, feathery, lacy leaves; glossy and smooth, deeply divided
Wild Carrot: Smaller, finely divided leaves with a slightly hairy texture; delicate and fern-like

Flower Structure
Poison Hemlock: Small white flowers in dense, umbrella-shaped umbels; each flower has five petals
Wild Carrot: White flowers in larger umbels with a dark central dot; less densely packed

Smell and Taste
Poison Hemlock: Musty, unpleasant odor; extremely bitter taste (Never try this, it is deadly)
Wild Carrot: Mild, carrot-like smell; slightly sweet taste

Height and Growth
Poison Hemlock: Can grow up to 10 feet tall; prefers moist soil near rivers or farmland
Wild Carrot: Typically grows up to 5 feet; prefers drier meadows and roadsides

One of these (front & center) is not like the other… And the tansy isn’t so great either. Can you tell the Poison Hemlock from the Queen Anne’s Lace here?

Here are some additional photos. Learn and stay safe.