Poison hemlock grows widely in disturbed, moist areas such as roadsides, ditches, streambanks, and field edges across most of North America and much of the world.

Where poison hemlock grows

  • It is now naturalized in almost every U.S. state and much of Canada, and is reported in many temperate regions worldwide.
  • It favors moist , nutrient‑rich, disturbed soils, especially in low‑lying areas.
  • Typical locations include:
    • Roadsides and highway embankments
* Ditches, irrigation canals, and drainage ways

* Streambanks, riverbanks, marsh edges, and wet meadows

* Pastures, field margins, vacant lots, and “waste ground” (unused, weedy land)
  • It often invades parks, trails, and semi‑natural greenspaces near towns and cities, especially where soil has been disturbed by construction or mowing.

Key idea: If the ground is weedy, somewhat moist, and disturbed (roadsides, ditches, creek edges, rough pastures), there is a good chance poison hemlock could show up.

Habitat characteristics

  • Prefers full sun to light shade but can tolerate some shade in woodland edges.
  • Common in “pioneer” or early‑successional sites that have been recently disturbed, where it can quickly colonize and form dense patches.
  • Frequently found mixed with other tall weeds such as thistles and wild carrot/Queen Anne’s lace.

Safety note (very important)

  • All parts of poison hemlock are highly toxic to humans and animals if ingested, and handling dense stands without protection can be risky.
  • Do not taste, handle bare‑handed, or burn this plant; wear gloves, long sleeves, and wash up after contact.

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