BOISE, Idaho — In nature, there are plants and animals with bright colors or interesting patterns that help lure in their prey or warn predators to stay away, like the Venus fly trap or poison tree frogs. But there's a less flashy and potentially just as deadly weed that's invasive across Ada County during the summertime.
"Anecdotally, at least, it certainly seems like this is a year where poison Hemlock is spreading really fast," said Sam Brockway, a program and education specialist for Ada County Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement.
Brockway described poison hemlock as a very tall, white, umbrella-shaped flower with dark green leaves that resemble ferns and have purple splotches on the stalk. Additionally, poison hemlock is in the carrot family, so it can be a bit deceiving when it's young because it looks exactly like a carrot.
"They love ditches, damp areas, like marshy areas, anywhere near a river or creek, you'll see a lot of poison hemlock...We want to make sure that people understand the entire plant is actually toxic to humans and livestock," Brockway said.
Poison hemlock is designated a noxious weed, which means the Idaho Department of Agriculture knows it is harmful to people and animals, so much so that an agency manages it.
"You would not want your pets or livestock getting anywhere near it," Brockway said.
The approach to dealing with these plants on your property is tricky because, ideally, you wouldn't touch it. But, according to Idaho law, if it's on your property, it's your responsibility to remove it to hopefully prevent it from spreading further.
Brockway added that the agency's experts advise spraying it when it's small and cutting it when it's tall. The objective is to remove it before it starts releasing seeds.
"One thing that that can be really helpful is wearing it heavy vinyl glove that's chemical safe, and that can help prevent any skin irritation that people might have while handling the plants and removing them from the properties," Brockway said.
If you see an infestation on public lands, you can report it. To report an infestation on public lands or for a consultation on what to do on private land, you can call Ada County Weed, Pest, and Mosquito Abatement at (208) 577-4646.
"Anything you can do to help us remove noxious weeds in Ada County makes a gigantic difference. We have technicians treating public lands and trying to make sure that we keep anywhere where humans or animals could come in contact with noxious weeds minimized. And so anything that people can do to take care of their own property is really helps to prevent the spread of noxious weeds in the county." Brockway said.
There are a few suggestions the county agency makes for disposal of this toxic plant. Brockway added that you should not burn the plant, as the fumes could be hazardous to people nearby. Instead, you should bag the plants in a heavy duty trash bag and tie it off. Then, put this in your regular trash can. Brockway said DO NOT put poison hemlock in the food and yard waste bin. It does not have to be disposed of as a hazardous material.
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