Queen Anne’s Lace vs Poison Hemlock – do you know the difference? Poison Hemlock is most commonly mistaken for Queen Anne’s Lace but they are actually very different if you know a little bit about how to identify these plants from each other.
It’s spring, almost summer here in Tennessee and we have both Queen Anne’s Lace and Poison Hemlock in bloom right now. I had a reel recently go viral warning people about the dangers of Poison Hemlock and I couldn’t believe how many people don’t know the difference between the two. I love a vase of cut Queen Anne’s Lace, it reminds me of my Grandmother’s farm but you want to be very careful to not accidentally bring it’s look-alike, Poison Hemlock, inside instead. Keep reading to learn how to differentiate the two.
Growth Habit: Queen Anne’s Lace vs. Poison Hemlock
Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus carota)
- Growth Pattern:
- Biennial – grows a leafy rosette in year one and flowers in year two.
- Typically 2–4 feet tall when mature.
- Grows in a more delicate, upright form with thinner stems and foliage.
- Habitat:
- Prefers dry, sunny locations like fields, roadsides, and disturbed soil.
- Tolerates poor soil and thrives in open areas with full sun.
- Roots:
- Has a thin, white taproot that smells like carrot.
- Stem & Leaves:
- Hairy stems with finely divided, lacy leaves.
- Leaves resemble domestic carrots but are more feathery.
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum)
- Growth Pattern:
- Also a biennial, but can sometimes behave as a short-lived perennial in mild climates.
- Can grow 6–10 feet tall, towering over Queen Anne’s Lace.
- It tends to grow in thick patches that can quickly take over an area.
- Habitat:
- Prefers moist, rich soil along streams, wetlands, and low-lying areas.
- Often found in ditches, pasture edges, and other disturbed areas with water access.
- Roots:
- Thick white taproot, but smells musty or rank, not like carrot.
- Stem & Leaves:
- Smooth, hollow, purple-blotched stems with no hairs.
- Leaves are fern-like and may look parsley-like, but with a foul smell when crushed.
Queen Anne’s Lace vs Poison Hemlock in Pictures
Studying these photos will be the biggest help in learning how to identify them. Put on your plant detective hat and observe all the details! Make sure to read through the captions as well.
Queen Anne’s Lace Pictures
Poison Hemlock Pictures
Queen Anne’s Lace vs. Poison Hemlock: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I tell the difference between Queen Anne’s Lace and Poison Hemlock?
Queen Anne’s Lace has a hairy stem and often features a single dark purple flower in the center of the bloom. Poison Hemlock has a smooth, hairless stem with purplish blotches and a foul odor. Always use multiple identifying factors before touching or harvesting. When in doubt leave it alone.
2. Is it safe to touch Poison Hemlock?
While brief contact typically isn’t dangerous for most people, the plant’s toxins can be absorbed through the skin or enter through cuts. It’s best to wear gloves and wash thoroughly after accidental contact. Not washing hands then eating after touching can also result in poisoning.
3. Can Queen Anne’s Lace give you a rash?
Yes, it can. Queen Anne’s Lace contains a compound called furocoumarins in its sap. If the sap gets on your skin and then is exposed to sunlight it can cause phytophotodermatitis. This can cause redness, itching and blisters. If you’re picking Queen Anne’s Lace wash hands afterwards and possibly avoid sunlight or simply wear gloves.
4. What happens if someone eats Poison Hemlock by mistake?
Poison Hemlock is highly toxic and even small amounts can be fatal. Symptoms include nausea, paralysis, respiratory failure and death. If ingestion is suspected, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
5. When do these plants bloom, and does that help with identification?
Queen Anne’s Lace typically blooms in mid-to-late summer. Poison Hemlock often blooms a bit earlier, in late spring to early summer, but this can vary by region. Timing can be one clue, but should not be relied on alone.
6. Where do these plants commonly grow?
Both plants thrive in disturbed areas like roadsides, fields, and meadows. Poison Hemlock often prefers wetter areas, while Queen Anne’s Lace tolerates drier soil.
7. Can animals be poisoned by eating Poison Hemlock?
Yes, livestock such as cows, horses, and goats can die from eating even small amounts of Poison Hemlock. It’s important to remove the plant from grazing areas.
8. Where can you find Queen Anne’s Lace and Poison Hemlock?
Both are found throughout the United States especially the southeast region.
9. Is Posion Hemlock native?
Thought to have been introduced by European settlers in the 1800’s, Poison Hemlock is not native and very invasive. Over the last several years we have seen it spread like wildfire.
10. What should I do if I find Poison Hemlock in my yard or garden?
Wear protective gear and carefully dig up the plant by the root, placing it in a sealed bag for disposal. Do not burn it, as inhaling the smoke can be dangerous. Mowing can also release harmful particles into the air. A vinegar solution can be sprayed on it to kill it prior to pulling it up with gloves. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your local agriculture department for help if unsure what to do or if you have a large amount of it on your property.
11. Is wild carrot the same as Queen Anne’s Lace?
Yes, Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) is the botanical name for Queen Anne’s Lace. They are the same species as with Queen Anne’s Lace being the common name for the wild form from which our cultivated carrots were developed.
12. Are there other Poison Hemlock look-alikes to be aware of?
Yes! Hedge Parsley is a very close look-alike but it does not have a hollow stem with purple splotches and it is much shorter (3 ft max). Elder flowers are in bloom around the same time as Poison Hemlock and they grow in similar areas but one key way to tell the two apart is their leaf shapes – Elder leaves are pinnate, serrated or toothed and grow in opposite pairs. Yarrow is another plant with white flowers that can be mistaken for hemlock but again the leaves get it away – they are fern-like, deeply cut (bipinnate or tripinnate) and delicate. See photos below.
Plants that Look Like Poison Hemlock
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