Poison Hemlock: How to Identify and Potential Look-alikes

Abstract

Foraging identification guide for poison hemlock: its hairless hollow stems almost always show distinctive purplish-red blotching or streaking, especially toward the base, and the crushed leaves emit an unpleasant musty smell, whereas wild fennel smells strongly of fennel or anise (a liquorice-like scent). Anchors the anise-versus-musty smell test and the purple-blotched stem test separating fennel from poison hemlock.