It has come to our attention that a donation of seeds, labelled as Fennel (herb) that were shared in 2019, are in fact Hemlock (Conium maculatum). We are in the process of contacting everyone who could have received a pack of these seeds at a training day in November 2019.
If you have a packet of these seeds then it’s important that you do not eat this plant or its seeds. All parts of the Hemlock plant are toxic to humans, and other animals, especially the seeds and the roots. How to identify the packet:
The label text is in red ink and reads:
Plant Type: Fennel – Herb
Variety: Fennel – Green – Foeniculum vulgare
Date Saved: 2019
Location: Nursery Row Park
Grower: Richard Galpin
Notes: Tall perennial herb with yellow flowers and feathery leaves, edible seeds, aniseed flavour.
(Note: There is NO problem with seeds shared later in the year as Plant type: Common Fennel, Nightingale Rd, Grower: Andy Crabb).
Top image: Bad batch – Hemlock / Bottom image: Good batch – Fennel
How to tell if you are growing Hemlock
It should be easy to tell if you are mistakenly growing a Hemlock plant:
Hemlock leaves are finely divided and toothed on edge, but not feathery like fennel.
Hemlock looks a bit like sweet cicely or cow parsley.
Hemlock has very characteristic reddish or purple spots on its stems, which appear once the plant is about 30cm tall.
Hemlock flowers are white, whereas fennel flowers are yellow.
Top image: Hemlock / Bottom image: Fennel
What to do if you are growing Hemlock
If you think you are growing Hemlock, then do not eat any part of the plant. The leaves, seeds and roots are all poisonous. We advise you to remove the plant from your garden, using gloves, making sure to pull up the long taproot. Do not put the plant on your compost.
Please get in touch with the LFSB by email (freedomseedbank@gmail.com) to let us know that you have received a packet of Hemlock seed – this will help us to track down anyone else who may have received this seed.