The Most Toxic Plant In America Is Found In Montana

The Most Dangerous Plant In Montana’s Outdoors

Getting outdoors and enjoying nature is one of the biggest benefits of living in Montana.

We all know about the wildlife that poses a risk to our safety, but it turns out that we might need to be more concerned about a particular plant than any animal.

This Common Montana Plant Is More Dangerous Than You Think

You might be thinking that I'm referring to poison ivy. While poison ivy is certainly unpleasant to encounter, it won't kill you.

That's exactly what this plant can do. It has been called "the most violently toxic plant that grows in North America" by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

It's not just humans that we need to be worried about either, as livestock can die from ingesting it in as little as 15 minutes.

The Montana Plant That Could Kill In 15 Minutes

We're talking about Cicuta douglasii, or more commonly known as "Western Water Hemlock."

Honestly, it does not sound like a pleasant experience should you come in contact and be poisoned by it, as symptoms include but are not limited to:

• Excessive salivation and frothing
• Muscle twitching
• Violent convulsions, grand mal seizures
• Coma

Unfortunately, the USDA website indicates that due to a lack of full-time supervision, any livestock that consumes this plant is likely to die due to the rapid effects of the toxin and the lack of immediate medical attention.

Take a moment and watch the short 4-minute video below to help you identify this deadly plant and keep your family safe when enjoying the great outdoors in Montana.