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[0315] Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum) 1. Basic Information Flower Name: Poison Hemlock (Dok-chok-pul) English Name: Poison Hemlock Scientific Name: Conium maculatum Symbolism: Not Afraid of Death, Conflict, Requital Origin: Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia Main Habitat: Roadsides, fields, and damp grasslands 2. Characteristics Poison Hemlock is a biennial herbaceous plant in the Apiaceae family, growing quite tall, often between 1.5 to 2.5 meters. A distinguishing feature is the purple spotting on its stems. In summer, it produces small, white flowers that bloom in umbrella-like clusters called umbels. While it appears delicate and pure, the entire plant contains potent alkaloids that are highly toxic. It is most famous historically as the source of the poison used for executions in ancient Greece, most notably the cup of hemlock drank by the philosopher Socrates. 3. Why We Recommend It & Special Insights We feature this plant for March 15th because of its powerful symboli...