Thanks everyone. I’ve looked again carefully and read descriptions and viewed photos of both poison hemlock and wild carrot. Definitely the former, as it has the characteristic reddish spotting on the stems and there are no drooping bracts beneath the flower umbels. The invasive Poison Hemlock it is. I appreciate all the help!

Haven’t double-checked re hemlock, but neither the leaf nor the flower is right for wild carrot.

I googled the purple stems…. Came up poison hemlock: http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/singlerecord.asp?id=550

Thank you steelekirk. I will take a walk and look again more closely. I thought wild carrot only grows to about 3′ and that the stems are hairy. These plants are much taller and I don’t believe the stems are hairy. I will pull one up and see what the root smells like. I appreciate your input.

The hemlock is a five pointed star.

It looks like a wild carrot to me.

Thanks, SunnySue2009! I had considered poison hemlock when searching in my reference books and online, but wanted a more expert opinion. I do believe you’ve nailed it. I really appreciate your time in responding. Have a happy summer!

Sorry, that just opens a search. Here’s one shot. http://www.creaseymahannaturepreserve.org/wp-content/uploads/blogger/-kIVqY3i_vik/TayEuaodobI/AAAAAAAALqw/DcC1VBtXKco/s1600/PoisonHemlock%2Bflower%2Band%2Bleaf.jpg

It looks like Poison Hemlock to me. Here’s my google search of images. Look and see if you agree. https://www.searchlock.com/search