The hemlock cup, which was used for execution with its poisonous potion, is well known to everyone. The spotted hemlock is a species native to Germany. Poisoning is possible due to confusion with edible wild plants.
The spotted hemlock is one of the most poisonous wild plants in Germany
This is how hemlock grows
The spotted hemlock is a biennial plant which survives the first winter with its spindle-shaped and whitish roots. With the help of the seeds, the umbelliferae spread quickly.
Happen
The species grows wild on ruderal areas such as fallow land and rubbish dumps or roadsides. Field meadows and turnip fields are typical habitats, although many farmers have eliminated the herb from their farmland because of its toxicity. These areas offer the plant optimal conditions, because it values deep soil with a high proportion of clay. As a nitrogen indicator, it grows where many nutrients are available.
toxic effect
This species is one of the most poisonous wild plants in Germany. The active ingredient Coniin is responsible for the highly toxic effect. A dose between 0.5 and 1.0 grams is lethal for an adult. The highest concentration of poison is in the unripe and notched split fruits with the two-part pen pad.
symptoms
The poison unfolds its effect mainly in the nervous system. In the first stage, burning and stinging sensations occur in the mouth and throat. This is followed by nausea and blurred vision. As the disease progresses, muscle cramps and paralysis occur. The ability to speak and swallow decreases until the patient finally stops breathing and is fully conscious.
recognize hemlock
Poisoning occurs when different meadow herbs are mixed up, because Conium maculatum has non-poisonous doubles, including meadow chervil and wild carrot. For the layman, the plant is easily confused with parsley. In addition to the growth characteristics, there are some typical features that clearly distinguish the poisonous umbellifer from similar-looking relatives.
Look out for this combination of features:
- Plant smells strongly of mouse urine
- Stem has red spots in the lower part
- Shoots are bare, hollow and ribbed lengthwise
- blue frost is reminiscent of frosting on ripe plums
cultivation in the garden
The plant is not considered endangered in Germany and is on the early warning list in Berlin. Some specialist nurseries and seed retailers offer the spotted hemlock for planting or sowing in the garden bed. Nothing stands in the way of a cultivation, as long as the outdoor area is not used by children, or agricultural pastures are adjacent to the property. Here the herbaceous plant can quickly sow itself.
Expectations
Sowing is possible in autumn, because then the seeds benefit from the cold and germinate next spring. The umbelliferae thrive without any problems on a normal subsoil with moist, nutritious and calcareous conditions. Once established in a sunny spot, the perennial needs no further attention. If you remove the withered inflorescence before the fruit ripens, you will prevent self-seeding.