Wild Carrot vs the Toxic Hemlocks

In the foraging world, there is a persistent myth that wild carrots should be avoided because they are very difficult to tell from the poison and water hemlocks. Not so! In this video, we will learn what a straightforward task it is to distinguish these plants. In short:
1. Aerial parts of wild carrot smell strongly of carrot, while aerial parts of the hemlocks have an unappealing chemical smell.
2. Wild carrot stems are hairy and green while the hemlocks are smooth and red, often with a whitish powdery coating.
3. Wild carrot stems are solid with a white pith while the hemlocks have hollow stems.
4. Wild carrots have tight umbels of white blossoms while the hemlocks' umbels are divided into sub umbels.
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cliffseruntine....

[@pjcampbell4143]

I am a Native American Herbal Healer taught by my Father, & Grandfather. I have ALWAYS USED WILD, & SELF GROWN HERBS for Medicinal Purposes. While in HS, a friend of mine died from eating a Poison Hemlock root, Mistaking it for a Wild Carrot. When I got home from school, That Afternoon, I went to the Wooded Area around our house , to get samples of the two plants, ALSO Taking my Father With Me, (TO BE CAREFUL WITH THE DIGGING UP, & HANDLING, OF THE PLANTS!) I gave BOTH PLANTS, With Flowers, Leaves, Stems, & ROOTS To my Science Teacher, & they were put on Display in a WELL SECURED display case at the Center of the School. I was Shocked, at the time, to see how many people know NOTHING ABOUT HOW DEADLY some Plants are, OR, how to Identify them in the wild. I was also VERY SURPRISED by the fact that the people who were Teaching us were Utterly CLUELESS, about the Subjects they taught. More Teachers than Students Went to see The Display, as THEY had NO IDEA What The Plants Looked Like. To this day, I don't think ANYONE, other than My Teacher, is aware that I was the one who supplied the plants that were displayed. I found it unreal that I knew More about Plants than the People who were Supposed to be TEACHING US. UNFORTUNATELY, That's even more true today, than it was back then! Too Many Teachers Are, BOOK SMART, & BRAIN DEAD! TEACHING, has become so POLITICIZED, That our Kids are going through School and Graduating, while MANY of them Lack the ability to even Read a Basic Children's Book, or Write Basic Cursive.(Which is NO LONGER TAUGHT, in Public Schools!) I'm SO Glad That I Homeschool!

[@earthn1447]

Spot on - from physicians to politicians, our book learned professionals lack critical knowledge. Especially in these days I shudder to think of the decisions being made that will affect us long into the future (or short due to how they seem bent on destroying the earth)

[@TheLionAndTheLamb777]

Both of my children can write in cursive. They both wanted to do it as it was something that their classmates could not do.

[@tarajoyce3598]

Knowledge is all relative to both education and experience. We each have been taught what was deemed important by others. What use is botany to an astronaut? Why would a sheep sheerer need elemental particle physics? Don't dismiss knowledge that differs from yours. A diverse team will be more successful as each member brings a different skill.

[@7owlfthr]

Thank you for sharing! As a wesyern medicine practitioner, I have always treasured the Native American use of herbal medicine & have studied it as much as I can. I also honor the bloodline from eastern Cherokee through my mom's side. I am doing my best to teack my daughter herbal medicine. Honor to you & the Native traditions! Your knowledge is so important for the world. And, yes, we HOMESCHOOL!

[@freedomunltd]

@@tarajoyce3598Think the point has been missed here: fundamemtal knowledge of the identification, properties and uses of plants, herbs, trees is essential in today’s world where people have become so detached from Nature, that they cannot identify whether or not a plant can be a serious cause of illness or death, or whether or not it can save one’s life, or help to treat illnesses or be used for healthy culinary uses, ught to be a founding principle of education from a very early age but particularly as the dominance of pharmaceutical Companies in everyday life with many of their drugs causing more harm than they heal, being of - or should be of - serious concern to humanity in addition to the many ‘foods’ sold in supermarkets which are nothing but a covktail of chemicals that are the leading causes of illness and death in the world today. People have become passive consumers.

[@danceswithcritters]

Wild carrot (daucus carota) is commonly called Queen Ann's Lace .

[@fredcorona787]

Hi I'm using my husband's phone he is no longer with us. My name is Pam 👋 So isn't there someone to report these dangerous plants to so they can remove them should I say IF they can be removed ? They say that poison hemlock is spreading like crazy here in California. I'm trying to learn to spot wild carrot vs hemlock. Thank you for this video it's been very helpful 🙋‍♀️🥕

[@g.k.1669]

Well...this just came as a surprise. My friend has a cabin in Michigan that has a natural aquifer stream coming out of the ground. He made it all decorative with rocks and some wild plants that he found by a stream. I just showed him this and realized how lucky he was when he dug up the root bulbs and place the plant by his stream. Additionally he has been trimming it back to keep it looking nice. This video may have just saved his life. Can't express our thanks to you enough.

[@UNDERST0RY]

You're welcome. I'm glad it helped.

[@lilysfield1]

When my children were small I bought a house..that had two types of dangerous plants...one was hemlock and the other russian thistle. I did not want those plants on my property because of the children...so I got some plastic bags and enveloped each and every one of those plants (prior to them going to seed), ....and then uprooted them while they were inside the bags (Though I did use gloves, I did not have to touch them) By doing this, I completely eradicated both of the species in one season. They never grew there again.

[@thedeserthomesteader3803]

Thank you for sharing this. I grew up around poison hemlock, but never have I seen the wild carrots. This is very interesting.

[@AmazingAutist]

I don't know much about plants and everything, but I do know about this - the probable reason why some of your students don't smell it and some people like you can, is probably down to genetics if I were to take a guess. It's the reason why some people hate vegetables because they have a bitter taste to them, but people like me have no problem because I don't taste it at all. There's actually a nice test that we did in biology where you took a strip of paper that has certain tastes on it, but depending on your genetic makeup it will taste differently to you - for example, salty or sweet, sour or nothing.

[@UNDERST0RY]

I agree entirely. By way of similar example: The ability to smell cyanide is genetic and some people can smell it and some can't. For those who can, it smells like almonds. But for foragers, it means plants that smell like almonds should be approached with great caution.

[@uarbor70]

Interestingly enough it's also genetic weather or not you can smell the difference eating asparagus makes in your urine

[@NIGHTOWL-jf9zt]

Happy widows know where wild hemlock grows!

[@frankbehnke6062]

Woahh tells a story of it right there, w your comment.

[@doug8525]

I’m glad there are sites like this to explain this sort of thing. When I was a teen in scouts, our scoutmaster told us about wild carrots and said the root can be eaten. He never mentioned that there was a lookalike called hemlock that was poison. Maybe he didn’t know. It gives me chills thinking I could have harvested some roots that I thought were wild carrots but instead were hemlock. I could have died. With something like this, if people are telling others about plants to harvest, and eat, from the outdoors, I would hope they’ve done their research and explain about lookalikes which may kill you!

[@monicarobertson5025]

I know this is 4 years old, but I’ve identified copious amounts of wild carrot on my property and feel confident in that identification with help from your informative video, as well as five other state university extension publications. I don’t want to mess this one up! My question: now that you’ve used your knife on the hemlock, how would you go about cleaning it?

[@Sleeper519]

Just wash it off. You can touch the plant. As long as you don't ingest it, you'll be fine.

[@randalllaue4042]

Can anything eat hemlock and live? Animals? Birds?...

[@randalllaue4042]

Queen Ann lace?

[@59Patter]

@@randalllaue4042 Queen Ann's Lace is the Wild Carrot. I just watched an excellent video about the difference betwwen QAL (Wild carrot) and Poison Hemlock by Amercian Survival Co called "Learn to tell the differences in Wild Carrot and Poison Hemlock"

[@luvulongtimexo867]

Very informative thank you so much for your time and knowledge!

[@UNDERST0RY]

You're very welcome. Hope it helps.

[@tacrewgirl]

This is a very good video explaining the difference between the wild carrot vs hemlock plants. I didn’t know about the white pith for white carrots.

[@grandwonder5858]

Fantastic video at showing us the difference between the harmless wild carrot and the deadly water hemlock! Thanks for the demo and upload!

[@joanhyde1745]

I would be reluctant to squash the stems since the sap is so poisonous.

[@herbcraft]

Smell IS NOT a reliable way to identify Queen Anne’s lace/wild carrot, and rule out poison hemlock or water hemlock. Poison hemlock absolutely can have a carrot like odor at different stages of growth,and the cicutoxin in water hemlock is well established smell of carrot.

[@bobcostas9716]

Well done. Thanks for the repetition. It really helps to drive the message home, and it's an important message.

[@pamela5568]

Very nicely done video. Anyone, even a novice, could tell the difference between these plants after watching your video. I'm not sure I've seen a water hemlock in my life since I've lived most of my life in the southwest US, but I feel confident now that I could tell the difference. And, I know now that even touching the water hemlock can sicken or kill you. Thanks for doing the video

[@Danodan94]

Howdy there, I'm a resident in central Texas, there is a large amount of water hemlock here, particularly around the creeks. Yes, it's deadly poisonous, but only if it gets into your system. You have to eat it or rub it vigorously into your skin or a cut. You can touch it safely as long as you are gentle and don't have any scrapes or abrasions on your hands. That said, always safe than sorry is a great rule to follow, you can't accidentally get it into your system if you don't touch it, not that there is much risk in that.

[@jamesgaul3544]

Great info... thanks!!!!

[@bowlineobama]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. It seems to me that Water Hemlock should be called poison hemlock as well since it is poison. It could be confusing for novice like me going by the name.

[@UNDERST0RY]

As a rule, avoid anything with the name: hemlock. But all foragers really should learn the scientific names as common names vary from place to place and are often misapplied.

[@causasui8185]

We call it Poison Water Hemlock.

[@thefullers1927]

This was hands down the most helpful video I've found on these beautiful plants. I was able to identify what is growing in my wildflower garden with confidence. Thankfully, its wild carrot. I had really begun to believe it might be one of the hemlocks. The hollow stem and smell were the clue. I will head out again and check the back of the leaves. But I'll be subscribing as you were so clear and thorough. Many thanks!

[@TheUnhousedWanderer]

From watching your video, I'm nearly certain that what I found is purplestem angelica. The roots smell of carrot

[@sandcat5395]

In the last 2 years l've been learning about natural medicine and wild edibles. Taking my time of course and getting familiar with what works for me. I'd like to thank you for making this video and sharing as l can now help those around me learn and enjoy what l know and enjoy and help others avoid unnecessary danger. 🙏😊❤👍

[@alexam.9033]

I gathered maybe wild carrot...but now I am afraid maybe was not that, even if mostly it seems the wild carrot. Is too dangerous and not worth the risk if mistaken it with hemlock. I put the plant in the garbage.

[@yicklee2964]

I dont understand the comment you made about the veins going to the end of the teeth? Can you please elaborate on this abd show ysca side by side companions? Thank you

[@blacksunshine7122]

Hi. Thank you for the video 😊 what if a plant one wants to forage is growing next to a hemlock plant? Should it be avoided? Thank you.

[@elenalatici9568]

I had no idea. Thank you. I assume that water hemlock grows in the vicinity of water, of which we have very little, if any ,in dry Italy. I pick Queen Ann's Lace all the time here. I think I'd better take a closer look.

[@TheUnhousedWanderer]

From what I learned, wild carrot is found in dry, sunny areas, whereas hemlock is found in wet areas

[@stevo728822]

Great video though not keen on the music.

[@tilmonhensley443]

Good Video Man . Even if you did scare the Hell out of me : yarrow favors that too. SHIT : (

[@albertinaargue9732]

thank you

[@acephas3]

I hope you’re still making videos. This is amazing!!

[@UNDERST0RY]

Thank you, Cyxh. The channel is thriving, and I release roughly a video per week. Feel free to look around. I think there are close to 200 videos now.

[@acephas3]

@@UNDERST0RY You’re welcome. I’m going to send an email.

[@goognamgoognw6637]

This man was scared to death and acting like a little child trying to hurt the poisonous plant with his little knife that got covered with hemlock sap that he couldn't clean in the field and brought back and contaminated his clothes. He might have suffered poisoning subsequent to his video.

[@redhot7190]

I think the trick is if you are going to try and find wild eatables learn what you are looking for. we really can't blame a plant for making you sick if you did not learn plants first.

[@kennyhill2678]

All my life , I've always heard it called Chigger Weed.. Now I know

[@dougantelman2369]

At 42 sec I see an English shepherd in the stream that looks very similar to mine!

[@Gritestl]

Thanks!

[@TheChroniclesOfYarnia]

We called wild carrot , Queen Anne’s Lace.

[@samblair7425]

I remember when I moved back to our family’s small farm in Indiana I used to make wildflower bouquets for our kitchen table. I loved Queen Anne’s Lace. Come to find out it wasn’t that plant but hemlock I was using. I liked the taller plants. I still remember seeds dropping on the table next to my young daughter’s plate and just brushing them off! I shudder now thinking back!

[@thomvogan3397]

The wild carrot is very similar in appearance to Queen Anne's Lace

[@UNDERST0RY]

The scientific name is: Daucus carota. They are the same plant.

[@ithoughtyouknew7036]

Identifying wild carrots is not a beginner plant to forage. It can be dangerous. Make sure you are 150% sure before sticking it in your mouth.

[@lynnmitzy1643]

Thank you 🕊️

[@clivedunning4317]

Very informative video.

[@tomcurran1538]

"And He who makes kittens, puts snakes in the grass." Jethro Tull. Be careful! Makes a good case for herbicides, lol. Greetings from "Mayberry" North Carolina. We have all the good and evil weeds down here!

[@tillybumbilly]

What are the other 6?

[@tobyholland9202]

Great information, thanks for sharing!!

[@lauragestes8847]

I've been pulling up Hemlock for several years on my property, and had no idea what it was. This year it is really thick around a tree in my front yard. I found out what it was one day when my daughter was in town and told me what it is. She raises chickens, so I'm sure that is what it is as she is avid about what her chickens eat, and studies all about raising chickens. But, that said there must be a bird that eats the seeds as the Hemlock is growing in a circle around a tree in my yard. It had been out by the street before now and I just pulled it up each year and threw it in a ravine that is by the road, my property, too. It's actually pretty when it blooms tons of white flowers but I wish I had pulled it all up before it went to seed. I just wonder what bird planted it for me, that has to be the answer as most of the plants are in a circle around that one tree.

[@Tamia4280]

I'm learning that water Hemlock looks similar to Elderberry

[@joanhyde1745]

I spend hour’s removing poison hemlock from our acreage here in the Black Hills.

[@binhminh417]

Very informative and easy to remember. Thank You!

[@benlackey7867]

Thank you so very much. I've been trying to hunt wild carrots, to no avail! Poison hemlock is ALL we have here. Water hemlock, although abundant, is useless. Wild onions, baby as they may be, are beyond abundant. Wild carrots w/taters would be unbelievable. Got a deer recipe?

[@UNDERST0RY]

My favorite deer recipe is broiled with rowan berry sauce. The other is chicken fried venison steak. Of course, none of that beats fresh roasted on a spit over the campfire.

[@willbedone888]

👍

[@tacrewgirl]

Helpful video. Thanks.

[@SteveGarfunkle]

Awesome

[@patsears4209]

Thanks. Scary.

[@stopthelies3973]

Are these ‘leaves of three’?

[@culpo6604]

Carrots are orange but they aint poisonous. Still gotta be careful tho cause theyre easy to choke on 😐

[@yourmum69_420]

thanks 4 your wisdom

[@thewarriorandthegarden1562]

Amazing video

[@ifoundthistoday]

honey made from small amounts of this plant ... any info? thx

[@UNDERST0RY]

I wouldn't consume anything from poison or aquatic hemlock.

[@ifoundthistoday]

@@UNDERST0RY just wondering about wild honey I guess .. some small amount has to come from hemlock, never heard of anything about this though

[@virginia7125]

Is wild carrot the same as chigger flowers by the old folks? I have patches of them that grows on my top lot if I don't keep the grass cut close. It also has a strong minty smell. Doesn't break me out like poison hemlock. That's a whole lot worse than poison ivy. Now poison sumac doesn't even bother me. I used to play in it as a kid. Cow weed however broke me out.

[@UNDERST0RY]

I couldn't honestly say. I've near heard the name: "chigger flowers".

[@tilmonhensley443]

@@UNDERST0RY being from north carolina we call it chigger weed

[@tomcurran1538]

Right, I'm near "Mayberry."

[@virginia7125]

After seeing other reviews, I think it's wild carrot. Wild carrot flowers dry to look like tiny bird's nests.

[@debrapaulino918]

It must have a purpose in the grand design of nature. Growing on banks? I have to wonder if it might have something to do with the oxygen, PH, in the water. Research for me.

[@tomcurran1538]

Many plant's only defense is being toxic-they can't move or bite!

[@mnone2940]

that water hemlock looks a lot like elder berry. yikes

[@UNDERST0RY]

Elderberry is woody. Water hemlock is herbaceous. There are other differences. Work with each a little and you'll never mistake them.

[@janiceholden9199]

Looks like cow parsley too!!!

[@UNDERST0RY]

@@janiceholden9199 They are related.

[@bladdnun3016]

There is also dwarf elder, which you should not confuse with regular elder, it's quite poisonous too. And ground elder, which is delicious and ubiquitous, but can easily be confused with dwarf elder or water hemlock.

[@tomcurran1538]

Yes, elderberry is woody and grows much larger...but be careful! This is why people resort to bush hogging everything and herbicides...kill 'em all, which is too bad.