Other common names.—Spotted parsley, St. Bennet’s herb, bad-man’s oatmeal, heck-how, wode whistle, cashes, bunk, poison parsley, spotted cowbane. (Fig. 28.)
Range and habitat.—Poison hemlock is rather common in waste places and along roadsides, principally in the Eastern and Middle States. It has been naturalized in this country from Europe.
Description.—From the close resemblance of the leaves of this plant to parsley, it is sometimes mistaken for the latter and fatal cases of poisoning have occurred. All parts of the plant are exceedingly poisonous.
Fig. 28.—Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L.).
Poison hemlock belongs to the same family as the parsley, namely, the Apiaceæ. It is a biennial, about 2 to 6 feet in height, with a smooth, hollow stem dotted with purple, and large leaves very much like those of parsley. The numerous small white flowers are borne in rather showy umbels (flat-topped clusters, with stems from one point) and appear in June and July. The fruit ripens in August and September. The fruit is grayish-green, ribbed, about one-eighth of an inch long, ovate, laterally flattened, and smooth.
The entire plant possesses a disagreeable mousy odor, which is especially noticeable when bruised.
Parts used.—The fruit and leaves are the parts used. The fruit should be collected while still green but full grown, which in most localities is some time in August. It should be dried in dark but well ventilated places, and then stored in tight cans or boxes where it will not be exposed to the action of light and air.
The poison hemlock leaves should be collected when the plant is in flower, which will be in the second year of its growth. The stems should be rejected. Contrary to the usual method of drying leaves and herbs, the poison hemlock leaves may be quickly dried in the sun and then kept in tightly closed vessels. The leaves will retain their green color if properly cured. The odor is still very disagreeable, but not so pronounced as in the fresh plant.
This very poisonous drug is used in rheumatism, neuralgia, asthma, and in cases where the nervous system is in an excited condition.
Imports and prices.—The imports of conium or poison hemlock seed amount to about 20,000 pounds annually, and from 10,000 to 20,000 pounds of the leaves are imported. The price paid for the seed is about 3 cents per pound, and for the leaves about 4 cents.