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Weed Identification |
Poison Hemlock
Background
Poison hemlock is native to Europe. It contains highly poisonous alkaloids toxic to all classes of livestock and humans. An extract of this species was used to execute Socrates in ancient Greece; it has also accidentally poisoned many who have mistaken it for parsley. Poison hemlock is often found on poorly drained soils, particularly near streams, ditches, and other water surfaces.
Description
Poison hemlock is a biennial that grows up to 10 feet tall. Stems are stout, hollow, ridged, and mottled with purple spots. Leaves are shiny green, 3 to 4 times pinnately compound, and clasp the stem at the obvious nodes. Crushed foliage has a disagreeable, mousy odor. Flowers are small, white, and borne in umbrella-shaped clusters about 3 inches across in early summer. Seeds are ridged and flattened, with 2 seeds borne together. The plant has a thick, white taproot, which, when cut longitudinally near the top, reveals thin, horizontal walls through a hollow chamber.
Control
A biological control agent (a defoliating moth) provides good to excellent but inconsistent control. Herbicides are also available.
Source: Weeds of the West, The Western Society of Weed Science, 1992
Contact Information
General contact information for the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse.
Postal address:
155 West Granite Street
Butte, MT 59701
Telephone: (406) 497-6200
FAX: (406) 497-6328
Chief Executive Paul Babb
The governments of the city of Butte and Silver Bow County combined in 1977. The government is lead by the Chief Executive, Paul Babb and a 12-member Council of Commissioners.
Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. MDT, with no noon closure. Business offices are closed for State and Federal holidays.
Essential Public Works Services, (water, sewer, and road maintenance) are available 24 hours, seven days a week.
- To report a water problem, dial 497-6540;
- A sewer problem, 497-6550;
- A road maintenance or animal control problem, 497-6565
The function of the Butte-Silver Bow Government is to serve the citizens of the city of Butte and Silver Bow County. Our government's goal is to improve and maintain governmental operations and conditions within the boundaries of Silver Bow County.