Poison hemlock found in Molalla Copyright by KOIN - All rights reserved Poison Hemlock. (City of Molalla) [ + - ] Video

KOIN 6 News Staff - PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) --- The city of Molalla is warning residents and visitors to be on the lookout for poison hemlock.

Copyright by KOIN - All rights reserved Poison hemlock (Colorado State University)

Copyright by KOIN - All rights reserved Poison hemlock (Colorado State University)

Poison hemlock is toxic and can be fatal to humans, pets and livestock.

The city says the weed is found in every county in Oregon but was only recently discovered within Molalla city limits.

The city of Molalla described the plant so residents know what to look for: Poison hemlock is a biennial plant that can grow as tall as four to nine feet. The hollow stem is smooth and hairless and has very distinctive purple blotches all over it. It also has large, glossy green, finely divided, fern-like leaves that are smooth and hairless. Its flower is similar in appearance to Queen Anne's lace and wild carrot.

The city says it is easy to get rid of by hand pulling and using herbicide treatments, although you should wear long sleeves when controlling it. It isn't safe to burn the plant either, because the toxins can be carried into the air.

In 399 BC, the philosopher Socrates was found guilty of "corrupting the youth" and of "refusing to recognized the gods recognized by the state." He was sentenced to death, and Athenian law said he must drink a cup of poison hemlock.

The executioner arrived and told Socrates, "Just drink it and walk around until your legs begin to feel heavy, then lie down. It will soon act."

It did. Socrates was 70.