Conium maculatum
L. HemlockMalodorous, robust perennial herb, 1–2.5 m high, main stems hollow, red-brown- to purple-spotted, often with a very large taproot. Leaves triangular in outline, 10–50 cm long; ultimate segments 1–2.5 cm long, margins coarsely to finely toothed; petiole to 60 cm long, longitudinally furrowed, purple-specked, with a long sheathing base. Umbels 3–7 cm diam.; common peduncle to 20 cm long; rays 6–20, 1.5–3.5 cm long; bracts 5–6, 2–8 mm long, reflexed, entire; umbellules 10–20-flowered, 5–8 mm diam.; pedicels 2–8 mm long; bracts 5–6, c. ovate, 2–8 mm long; bracteoles 3–6, ovate, 2–2.5 mm long, acuminate, often fused at base. Petals white or pink, c. 1.2 mm long. Fruit 2.5–4 mm long. Flowers mostly Aug.–Dec.
MuM, VVP, VRiv, MuF, GipP, OtP, WaP, Gold, CVU, GGr, NIS, EGL, EGU, HSF, HNF, OtR, Strz, VAlp. Also naturalised WA, SA, Qld, NSW, Tas. Native to many regions of the Northern Hemisphere. A widespread weed of disturbed sites such as river banks, roadsides and wasteland where it can be locally dominant. .
This species is highly toxic.
Duretto, M.F. (1999). Apiaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 4, Cornaceae to Asteraceae, pp. 256–258. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
Spinning
