Highly toxic water hemlock grows in marshy sloughs, wet meadows and along streambanks.(submitted photo/Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture)

By Alice McFarlane

The dangers of water hemlock

Listen: Beware of poisonous plants in pastures

Jul 7, 2025 | 3:24 PM

Water hemlock is considered one of North America’s most toxic plants. Cattle that consume even a small amount of the root can die.

Dean Cortus, Range Management Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture regional office in Humboldt, Sask., says livestock producers need to scout their pastures for dangerous plants.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com