Conium maculatum Hemlock (Umbelliferae)

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Conium maculatum
Hemlock
(1 Page of 5)

The Conium maculatum plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Umbelliferae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Hemlock.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Conium maculatum
Common Name:  Hemlock
Family:  Umbelliferae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  A very poisonous plant, the toxins are especially concentrated in the seed[1, 7, 10, 19, 62, 76]. The stems contain up to 0.06% of the toic alkaloids, the leaves between 0.03 and 0.8%, the flowers from 0.09 to 0.24% and the green fruit from 0.73 to 0.98%[240]. The toxins, however, are very volatile and decompose readily[65], especially when the plant is dried or cooked[4]. The toxins paralyse the respiratory nerves, causing death by suffocation[238]. Children have been known to die after using the hollow stems as blowpipes[200].

Mature Height:  2   Mature Width:  1

Habitat:  Waste ground and in damp places, avoiding acid soils and heavy shade[7].

Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[105]. Although toxic, plants found in the south of England are comparatively harmless and the leaves are used as a pot-herb[2]. They can also be dried for later use. The toxic principle is said to be destroyed by thorough cooking or drying[4, 100]. Caution is advised, especially on the remarks about plants in southern England[K]. See the notes above on toxicity.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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