Controlling poison hemlock growth in early spring could help keep pastures and livestock healthy, according to J.D. Green, PhD, extension weeds specialist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.

Mature poison hemlock

"Poison hemlock is potentially poisonous to livestock, particularly when animals graze poison hemlock plants when other forages are limited, or if large quantities of hay containing poison hemlock are consumed by animals," Green says. "In addition, poison hemlock can crowd out desirable plants in areas where it becomes established