Conium maculatum L.

Conium maculatum is a widely distributed cosmopolitan species native to Asia, Europe and North Africa; the species has been broadly introduced as an alien species throughout North America and other world regions. This perennial herb is typically found on poorly drained soils, particularly in riparian zones, ditches, and other surface water. It also appears at road verges, perimeters of cultivated fields and waste areas.

Known by the common name Poison hemlock, the species contains coniine, a powerful neurotoxin that can be lethal to humans and all classes of livestock. This member of the carrot family can reach a height of three meters. The stem is generally purple-spotted or streaked; the widely ovate leaves are typically 2-pinnate and are 15 to 30 centimeters in length. Inflorescences are much-branched.

A member of the family Apiaceae (Umbellifera), Conium maculatum is also known as poison hemlock and is one the most toxicplants in the world. It is toxic to humans and all livestock because it contains the neurotoxin coniine.

Less than 0.2 g of coniine can ultimately result in death by asphyxiation.Coniine works by disrupting the functioning of the peripheral nervous system which results in respiratory paralysis and death within a few hours. Because it does not affect the central nervous system, normal cognitive functioning is retained throughout poisoning, until just before death.

Death can be avoided if medical treatment is sought early on. Treatment often entails providing the patient with an artificial breathing apparatus while extracting the poison.

Socrates' was condemned death by drinking a concoction involving poison hemlock.