Among Northeastern Illinois’ weed list is a very dangerous plant called ‘Poison Hemlock’  (Conium maculatum) and should be removed very carefully from your landscaping promptly! (Image from www.illinoiswildflowers.org.) On this plant of the carrot family, you will notice that the flowers have 5 petals on each set.  The typical cluster is roughly 2-2.5″ across distinguishing it from Queen Anne’s Lace.  Also, Queen Anne’s lace has one red floret in the center of its flower cluster, poison hemlock does not (as seen above.) (Image from phytophactor.fieldofscience.com.) You will notice that the leaves of the Poison Hemlock plant look similar to the carrot.  The smooth stem is stout, has a ridged appearance and […]