Hemlock, whether the common ground variety or dwarf hemlock, is a bitter poisonous plant. It is a biennial that reaches five feet in height. Its root is long and white and from it rise shiny green, hollow stalks. Fern-like, fine leaves and very small white flowers adorn the stems. Blood red blotches are found on the stems, thus the Latin name maculatum. Anytime the plant is crushed it emits a foul odor (Walker).
Leaves, stems and all parts of hemlock contain Caria. If eaten by humans Caria acts as an irritant causing paralysis, convulsions, and perhaps death. Hemlock was used in Athens in ancient days to carry out the death sentence. The most famous hemlock potion occurred with Socrates in 399 B.C.
In the book of Amos, chapter 6, verse 12 we read: "... for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of unrighteousness into hemlock." Cook says it is possible that the plant is the poppy (Nelson). See also Wormwood, which is sometimes translated as hemlock.
Hosea 10:2 (KJV) Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
Hosea 10:3 (KJV) For now they shall say, We have no king, because we feared not the LORD; what then should a king do to us?
Hosea 10:4 (KJV) They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant: thus judgment springeth up as hemlock in the furrows of the field.
Amos 6:12 (KJV) Shall horses run upon the rock? will one plow there with oxen? for ye have turned judgment into gall, and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock:
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