The Plant That Killed Socrates
If you’ve taken any sort of philosophy class, you likely remember the trial and death of Socrates. In 399 BC, Greek philosopher Socrates was found guilty of corrupting the youthful minds and for not believing in the gods of the state. He was sentenced to death and forced to drink an infusion of poison hemlock (Conium maculatum).
According to accounts written by Plato. Socrates dies shortly after drinking the infusion.
“The man … laid his hands on him and after a while examined his feet and legs, then pinched his foot hard and asked if he felt it. He said “No”; then after that, his thighs; and passing upwards in this way he showed us that he was growing cold and rigid. And then again he touched him and said that when it reached his heart, he would be gone.”
— Phaedo, Plato
Death through hemlock poisoning was a common punishment for ancient Greek prisoners. What you likely didn’t learn in philosophy class was that this plant has been established in many places throughout the United States, and you’ve likely come across it without even knowing it.
Identifying
According to database observations from users on iNaturalist, here are some locations where poison hemlock has been observed:
The plant prefers moist soil and can be commonly found along hiking trails, roads, and streams. This plant is considered invasive ins some states and easily establishes itself in distributed areas. It was brought over from Europe in the 1800s as a garden plant.
When looking for the plant it’s often not too difficult to find.
It grows roughly 3–8ft tall and will have a tall and lengthy stalk. In the early summer, you’ll notice umbrella-like white flowers that shoot out from the thicker stem. The leaves will appear small, sharp, and a shiny green color.
It is also a part of the carrot family, so if you were to pull one out of the ground, you’ll find a root that slightly resembles a carrot you may find in the grocery store.
Oftentimes it will grow in clusters, but it’s possible to find one towering above the rest like the one pictured on the left.
Toxicity
Poison hemlock is most well known to be highly toxic and deadly upon ingestion. All parts of the plant are toxic, with the seeds being considered the most poisonous.
Upon ingestion, severe symptoms from the plant can develop quickly. Coniine from the plant can lead to muscular paralysis of the respiratory system causing a lack of oxygen that can be fatal. Hospitals may be able to treat symptoms with ventilators, but with no known antidote to the poison, severe cases can be deadly.
The plant is also toxic to many animals. Farmers can lose much of their livestock if poison hemlock is found and not eradicated in their fields. Since many animals mistake this plant for other edible plants, the results for many can be dire.
Awareness
This plant's unique history and extreme toxicity make it a fascinating but also scary plant. What’s important to remember is that this plant is only deadly when ingesting it. Fatal cases are usually only the result of misidentifying this plant as a wild parsnip or carrot. As long as you aren’t eating any plants that look remotely like the poison hemlock, you’ll be fine.
What’s more important is a general awareness of this plant. Recognize it in the environment, safely remove it if its a problem, and be respectful and sensitive of the power that plants like these possess.
