By Jeff Stachler and Joe Ikley et.al
Spotted water hemlock, a plant native to North Dakota, has recently been identified in several counties across the state. The plant is highly poisonous to humans and all livestock, especially cows and horses. The toxin in the plant is cicutoxin and is most harmful in the spring. The roots contain the greatest toxicity levels.
Spotted water hemlock is a short-lived perennial plant that spreads by seed and roots, and thrives in moist soils, so overland water flow and birds are of concern in aiding the spread of spotted water hemlock. The reported locations have been in wet and subirrigated meadows, along the edge of cattail sloughs, and adjacent roadside ditches, water drains and creek bottoms.
Due to this year’s above-normal precipitation, greater densities of the plant have been seen this year compared to the drier years of the past, says Jeff Stachler, NDSU Extension cropping systems specialist at the Carrington Research Extension Center.
“Most cases of concern are when spotted water hemlock ends up in hay bales,” says Joe Ikley, NDSU Extension weed specialist. “Awareness and prevention are key. Avoid baling any plants you can’t confidently identify.”
Source : ndsu.edu