It’s Back – Most Poisonous Toxic Plant in the World in Arkansas

They're back and growing like wildflowers in Arkansas and across much of the South. Beware because touching this plant is dangerous and could even kill you.

Poisonous Hemlock

If you have been spending a lot of time outdoors chances are you may have seen the most poisonous plant in the world, the Hemlock growing in your yard or the nearby woods. The two to ten feet tall plant has been sprouting up along fence lines and flower beds but don't let the white flower pedals fool you because if you touch them with your bare hands they are very toxic to humans and pets and could harm you.

With the hotter weather and humid conditions, hemlocks seem to thrive in this type of environment as most other plants do as well. What you think is just a common weed or wild plant could be the poisonous hemlock.

Do Not Touch

The flowering plant may look pretty but the complications of brushing up against one by mistake or weed eating could be fatal in some cases.

According to several medical experts, it could cause heart arrhythmias, slowing down your heart rate. Some other symptoms include rash, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, trembling, and even muscle paralysis, which could earn you a trip to the ER or in some cases respiratory failure which could kill you, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Toxins from the poison hemlock if not treated quickly start to take effect in as little as 10 minutes.

Poison hemlock belongs to the same plant family as carrots, parsnips, fennel, and dill. Call your doctor or medical professional if you think you have come into contact with the hemlock.