Water hemlock found along White Rock Lake prompts citywide safety warnings for families and pet owners
Dallas, Texas – As summer begins to unfold, Dallas Park and Recreation officials are taking urgent steps to manage a hazardous plant found growing along the shores of White Rock Lake. The invasive plant, known as water hemlock, is considered one of the most poisonous plants in North America and poses serious health risks to both humans and animals.
To address the issue, the department has started applying specialized chemical treatments to selected areas of the shoreline. The treatment process is expected to last no more than two days, but officials will continue to monitor the treated locations for several weeks to ensure the safety of park visitors. According to experts, “once the water hemlock begins to wilt, its toxicity drops quickly,” reducing the potential danger to the public.
Visitors to White Rock Lake are strongly advised not to touch or remove any plants near the shoreline. Additionally, pet owners are encouraged to keep their animals leashed and away from lakeside vegetation. Anyone who encounters what may be a suspicious or toxic plant is urged to call 214-670-1923 or dial 311 to report it.
Recognizing the Danger
The risk presented by water hemlock is made worse by its close resemblance to a harmless look-alike: Queen Anne’s Lace. Brett Johnson, Dallas Park and Recreation’s conservation manager, emphasized the importance of knowing the difference between the two. “Water hemlock’s resemblance to the harmless Queen Anne’s Lace makes it dangerous to visitors not aware of the differences between the two plants,” Johnson explained.
He pointed out several key ways to distinguish the two. Queen Anne’s Lace generally blooms from March through May, while water hemlock typically flowers from late May through July. Water hemlock is often found near moist environments like lake shores, creeks, or marshes, whereas Queen Anne’s Lace prefers drier, open spaces such as roadsides and fields.
The stems also offer a clue: water hemlock features thick, hollow stems with purple blotches, while Queen Anne’s Lace has thin, hairy green stems. Additionally, water hemlock has shiny, fern-like leaves with sharply toothed edges, while Queen Anne’s Lace has more finely divided and delicate foliage.
With rising temperatures expected to bring more people to Dallas’s parks and lakes, the city is prioritizing both public awareness and rapid treatment to prevent harmful exposure. Residents are urged to remain cautious and informed while enjoying the outdoors.
