A health advisory has been issued regarding poison hemlock, a toxic plant currently blooming in open sunny areas such as roadsides in Whitman County. It is important to note that ingesting even a small quantity of poison hemlock can be fatal for both humans and animals, as there is no known antidote for its toxicity.

Poison hemlock can be mistaken for edible plants like parsley and parsnip due to its similar appearance. It is characterized as a hollow plant that can grow up to ten feet tall, featuring white flowers, bright green fern-like leaves, hairless stems, and purple-red spots and streaks.

Whitman County Public Health recommends that individuals avoid cutting these plants, as this action may release toxic dust, and advises against composting poison hemlock.