Public warned to avoid highly poisonous plant on Cumbrian beaches

The Coastguard in Cumbria has told the public to avoid ‘a highly poisonous plant being washed up on local beaches’, with confirmed sightings at Millom and St Bees.

Millom Coastguard Rescue Team has reported that Hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), also known as ‘dead man’s fingers’, has been washed up on the beaches. The Coastguard says that ‘even a small portion can prove fatal to humans by attacking the nervous system. It is also fatal to animals. The plant has a highly poisonous root that looks, and smells, like parsnip’.

It is highly likely that the plant is washing ashore due to the aftermath of recent stormy weather.

The Coastguard has advised people, especially with children and animals, to stay vigilant, avoid this plant and take extra care when visiting the beach.

According to the Royal Horticulture Society, ‘Hemlock water dropwort is an extremely poisonous, perennial plant. It forms elongated root tubers and has erect, hollow, grooved stems. Leaves are pinnate and flowerheads of white umbels, 5-10cm across, are borne in July and August’.