The local coastguard has issued a warning to anyone visiting to keep their children and pets away from the plants because they are dangerous and potentially deadly if eaten.
14:56, 13 Jan 2026
Extremely toxic plants capable of killing humans have been found washed up on the shorelines of beaches in the UK.
Hemlock water dropwort, also known as Dead Man's Finger s due to their resemblance of a corpse's digits, were found on the beach in Bembridge, Isle of Wight, on January 12. The local coastguard has issued a warning to anyone visiting to keep their children and pets away from the plants because they are dangerous and potentially deadly if eaten.
The plant oenanthotoxin in its white roots, which is a fatal poison. The roots look like a bunch of parsnips so may be easily mistaken for food, but in fact belong to the most poisonous plant in the UK.
Ingesting even a small amount can lead to convulsions and death by asphyxia within a couple of hours as the toxin attacks the nervous system. A HM Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team spokesperson noted the highly poisonous root smells like parsnip.
"Please be aware that we have received reports of a highly poisonous plant being washed up," A HM Bembridge Coastguard Rescue Team spokesperson said. "Even a small portion can prove fatal to humans by attacking the nervous system. It is also fatal to animals."
"It is highly likely that this is washing ashore due to the recent stormy weather," they said. "We advise people, especially with children and animals, to stay vigilant. Please avoid this plant and take extra care when visiting the beach. As always, please remember if you or someone else is in difficulty on the coast or at sea then please dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
The plants were also found strewn along around a 20-mile stretch of Cumbria coastline in December. Last year, at least four dogs died and many more were taken sick after going for walks on popular beaches in Cornwall and Carmarthenshire, southwest Wales.
Not everyone is convinced of the danger, though. As one local, Stella Peterson, wrote on Facebook : "No problem unless you eat them and why would you?" Another local, David James, added: "Calm down people."
But last year, Police Scotland were forced to put out a warning after the poisonous plant washed up on the shores of Loch Glip. They said: "We have received a report of a poisonous plant known as hemlock root washing up in sporadic points along the shoreline of Loch Glip in Ardrishaig and Lochgilphead. Members of the public are advised not to touch the plant, and to keep animals away from the affected areas."
Hemlock water dropwort has flowers that smell like wine, with the scientific Oenanthe crocata coming from the Greek Oinotheras, a willowherb with roots smelling of wine, plus the Greek word Anth, meaning flower. Crocata is from the Latin Crocatus, meaning saffron-yellow, which is due to the yellow juice produced by the plant if it is crushed or cut.
All parts of the plant are deadly, with the main toxin being Oenanthotoxin found in highest concentration in the roots. It can cause convulsions, seizures and death. Historically, it was used as a method of execution and to poison rats and moles.