Poison Hemlock in New Allotment

Discussion in 'Allotments Discussion' started by MikeAbraham1971, Jun 14, 2023.

  1. MikeAbraham1971

    MikeAbraham1971 Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi I’m new here and looking for my first bit of advice.

    I have been offered an allotment 10 x 18m, when I looked at it 5 days ago it was fairly clear apart from a few nettles knee high. I need to let the council know in 3 days time if I want it.
    The thing is I went yesterday and probably 50% has poison hemlock leaves about 4-6 inches high and no flowers.
    So my question is, should I run a mile or is this easy to get rid of? I’m a bit freaked out with reading blobs about it.
     
  2. Palustris

    Palustris Total Gardener

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    Are you certain of your identification? Hemlock is rather rare. It is more likely to be Cow parsley than anything else.
    Even so, getting rid of weeds is no problem if you are prepared to work at it.
    If you can do it, then a photo would help so the plant may be properly identified.
     
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    • MikeAbraham1971

      MikeAbraham1971 Apprentice Gardener

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    • MikeAbraham1971

      MikeAbraham1971 Apprentice Gardener

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      I took a photo and uploaded to an app, 80% poison hemlock match and 1% cow parsley. Is there any other tools out there to confirm?
      Thanks for your help
       
    • pete

      pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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      I'd not be bothered even if it is hemlock, it grows in lots of places, I always think it has a finer leaf than cow parsley and the stems have purple markings.
      Just dig it out and don't eat it. :biggrin:
       
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      • MikeAbraham1971

        MikeAbraham1971 Apprentice Gardener

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      • Palustris

        Palustris Total Gardener

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        Those leaves do not look like Hemlock to me.
         
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        • pete

          pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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          I'd not be sure looking at that, but whatever it is you just dig it out, it's a weed.
           
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          • pete

            pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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            Just wear gloves and dispose of it sensibly.
            It appears to be a biennial.
             
          • MikeAbraham1971

            MikeAbraham1971 Apprentice Gardener

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            I take it I shouldn’t compost it just in case it is hemlock? Very new to this………..
             
          • pete

            pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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            Might be best not to, I'd dry it off and burn it if possible.
            But a good ID might be useful, has it got any stems as purple spots are a really good way of IDing it I think.
             
          • MikeAbraham1971

            MikeAbraham1971 Apprentice Gardener

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            I will get a better look later and a close up of the stem
             
          • infradig

            infradig Total Gardener

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            I would wonder if you have self seeded parsnips from previous cultivation on that or adjacent plot.Try lifting the plant for a better look at the root, this link may help. (Gloves recommended !)
            www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=hemlock+root&tbm=isch&chips=q:hemlock+root,g_1:identification:zT2Kxxv_b4o%3D&usg=AI4_-kSZJBoKF94tig-7dWxKxhe0og8kBA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiapuaC3cL_AhWZZsAKHc9yCPAQgIoDKAF6BAgIEBU&biw=1252&bih=564&dpr=1.09
            If it is hemlock, then the authority letting ought to undertake its control before they accept rent, IMHO
             
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            • infradig

              infradig Total Gardener

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              • MikeAbraham1971

                MikeAbraham1971 Apprentice Gardener

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                Apparently it was a derelict site, which is between allotments.
                 
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