KANSAS (KSNT) - K-State says you should watch out for a poisonous plant that grows in pastures and on roadsides that can cause birth defects and death from nervous system failure if ingested.

Poison hemlock is a plant native to Europe that grows wild in the countryside. All parts of the plant are highly poisonous to humans and livestock, according to K-State. The plant's flowering period starts in June and July.

The plant is part of the carrot family and can be confused with similar plants like wild carrot and Queen Anne's lace, according to K-State. Poison hemlock is typically found in pastures, roadsides and woodland openings.

In a 2022 report, K-State said that poison hemlock is believed to have been used to kill the philosopher Socrates in 399 BC.

"If poison hemlock is ingested, symptoms including nervousness, trembling, weakness, poor coordination, pupil dilation, slow and weak heartbeat, coma, and respiratory paralysis develop within two hours," K-State wrote in its report.

Poison hemlock can be distinguished from wild carrot in several ways.

K-State said poison hemlock is the most toxic when it is eaten but can also cause reactions through inhalation or contact with skin. It is recommended people wear gloves if pulling the plant by hand and a respirator if mowing it down.

K-State recommends a couple of herbicides to kill off the plant: