Hemlock and Hogweed

Umbellifers are tricky to identify.  At first glance they all look the same.  

This month it is the turn of Hemlock and Hogweed to come into bloom.  

Let's concentrate first on Hemlock.  

There's a lot of it about at Filnore Woods especially up at the viewpoint.

The ferny leaves are pale with a slightly grey/blue tint

But the real tell-tale sign is the purple blotching on the smooth stems, 

which warns you that it is the POISONOUS Hemlock.

Blotchy photos by Alan Watts

Hogweed on the other hand has leaves that are divided but not fern-like,

a groovy stem, 

and a bigger, flatter flower head like a parasol .. .. ..

.. .. .. when compared with the taller, branching stems of Hemlock

Here is Alan taking those close-ups of the purple blotches on Hemlock, 

with a Hogweed plant just to the right of him.

Do you think he is tall and branchy or just a big flathead?

Just said that to help you remember.  Sorry Alan !!!!