No matter what part of the state you’re in, Washington is full of outdoor adventure opportunities. Many Washingtonians take advantage of warm spring and summer weather to go hiking, foraging, gardening and exploring.

But outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared for potential threats, like toxic plants that can be life-threatening.

Chief among those is deadly hemlock . Easily confused with other, non-poisonous plants, hemlock grows all across the state and prefers rich, moist soil. It also grows across the U.S. In Washington state, the gangly invasive weed is often mistaken for Queen Anne’s Lace, yarrow, parsnip or cow parsley.

The plant’s discovery can trigger a public response, as state law requires that it be removed .

Here’s what to know about this toxic plant, and how to safely i

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