Producers encouraged to scout wet meadow areas for spotted water hemlock before cutting hay

Producers encouraged to scout wet meadow areas for spotted water hemlock before cutting hay

Spotted water hemlock, a plant native to North Dakota, has recently been identified in several counties across the state. The plant is highly poisonous to humans and all livestock, especially cows and horses. The toxin in the plant is cicutoxin and is most harmful in the spring. The roots contain the greatest toxicity levels. Spotted water hemlock is a short-lived perennial plant that spreads by seed and roots, and thrives in moist soils, so ove…