A poisonous plant is all over NJ. Fall is the time to kill it

Basically, it looks like an ordinary weed but poison hemlock is one of the most dangerous plants on the planet.

I told you about it back in June of last year and unfortunately, it’s always around.

At the time I wrote that I had seen warnings about this everywhere on social media.

Poison hemlock, also known as Conium Maculatum, is a hazardous plant indigenous to New Jersey.

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It can be found thriving in meadows, roadsides and disturbed spots. It reaches heights of seven feet and bears small white flowers on its stems, a common sight in some areas.

The plant actually looks quite pretty and that’s why it’s in your best interest to google a few pictures of it and see what it is so you don’t mistake it for a pretty wildflower.

According to Ohio’s Country Journal, late autumn is the best time for poison hemlock control.

One reason is that during this period, the plants store energy in their root systems to endure winter, making their roots a better environment for herbicides to penetrate.

Fall is also the best time to kill them because there are fewer gardens and annual flower beds around, reducing the risk of the chemical killers harming sensitive plants as they might in spring.

If you think you have come in contact with it these are some of the symptoms you should look out for: Sleepiness,lightheadednessdilated pupils, trembling anddizziness.

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And although there is no antidote to hemlock poisoning, if you come in contact with poisonous hemlock, doctors will be able to treat each specific symptom if you seek medical attention.

If you find some, call an expert. You can handle the killing of these plants on your own.

But If you ignore that advice and you’re going to have contact with these plants in any way, make sure you wear gloves, facemasks and protective clothing and wrap up any plants in plastic or place them in plastic bags and then immediately throw them in the trash.

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Opinions expressed in the post above are those of New Jersey 101.5 talk show host Judi Franco only.

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