Keep this parsnip-like plant far from Christmas dinner if you spot it on a beach
Poisonous plant Hemlock water dropwort has been spotted washed up on the coast of Cumbria (Picture: SWNS)
A plant with lethal poison in its roots has washed up on British shores.
Hemlock water dropwort, or ‘dead man’s fingers’, was spotted on a 20km stretch of Cumbrian coast between Drigg and Parton.
Its white roots contain a deadly toxin called oenanthotoxin which physically resembles a bunch of parsnips and smells like parsley.
But don’t grab some for your Christmas dinner – the poison if ingested will penetrate the nervous system before causing death by asphyxia within hours.
The species is usually found in riverbanks, however coastguards believe the recent rough weather may have helped them wash up by the sea.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking Newsalerts the moment it happens.
The Millom Coastguard Rescue Team said: ‘Please be aware that we have received reports of a highly poisonous plant being washed up on local beaches.
‘So far there have been confirmed sightings between Drigg and Parton.
‘Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), also known as Dead Man’s Fingers.
The toxic root resembles a bunch of parsnips but has a smell similar to parsley (Picture: Millom Coastguard Rescue Team)
‘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 this is happening due to the aftermath of recent stormy weather.
‘We advise people, especially with children and animals, to stay vigilant, avoid this plant and take extra care when visiting the beach.
‘We are not the agency responsible for its disposal. Sightings should be reported to your local council who will arrange disposal.
The 10 Best Celeb Photos From the 2025 Golden Globes Gala Dinner Entertainment Hollywoodâs Golden Globes made a global statement in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, hosting a high-profile gala dinner during the fifth edition of the Red Sea International Film Festival. Held on December 10, the event underscored Hollywoodâs growing engagement with international cinema and emerging global markets. View this post on Instagram As…
Is the Bracebridge Dinner Depicted in ‘Gilmore Girls’ a Real Thing? Entertainment <p id="par-1_101">Over the course of seven seasons, <em>Gilmore Girls</em> provided fans with <a href="https://www.cheatsheet.com/news/gilmore-girls-holiday-episodes-full-list.html/">a lot of lovely holiday moments</a>. While the series paid special attention to Thanksgiving, the writers weren’t against a Christmas episode either. There were several during the show’s run, but one of the most beloved holiday episodes…
Inside Rob Reiner’s Dinner with Famous Friend Shortly Before Tragic Passing Entertainment Shortly before their deaths, Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner dined with Maria Shriver at a restaurant in Brentwood, Los Angeles, the Daily Mail reports. The outlet also spoke with restaurant owner Tancredi DeLuca, who described them as “very good people,” who are “always very approachable and so very…
‘We run the most Christmassy pub in London – here’s why people travel far and wide to see us’ News Hundreds gathered to see the lights switched on this year (Picture: AP) You’ve all seen it, we imagine. Crowds of people clumped together surrounding west London’s brightest – and most festive pub. And while the Churchill Arms isn’t the only pub in London to put on a display over the…
No limit to how far Bears can go after stunning 22-16 win against Packers in overtime News Nothing has been normal for the Bears this season, and the craziness continued Saturday night against the Packers. As has been their custom, just when the Bears looked like they were done, they stormed back into the game and forced overtime. Somehow, inexplicably, the electricity has lasted all season, and…
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.
