Distinguishing Queen Anne's Lace from Deadly Water Hemlock

A Pacific Northwest property owner needs to tell Queen Anne's Lace (Daucus carota) from water hemlock (Cicuta maculata) before letting goats graze. The expert warns: Queen Anne's Lace has asparagus-fern-like foliage; water hemlock has elongated leaves with distinct venation. He urges searching the Latin names for images and, critically, contacting the local agricultural extension service. Mistaking hemlock for Queen Anne's Lace can be fatal to livestock.