AN URGENT warning has been issued after a potentially lethal plant was discovered along a popular 20-mile stretch of UK coastline.
The “highly poisonous” species was spotted on a section of Cumbria’s shoreline this week, prompting a serious safety alert from the coastguard.
Ingesting the plant can lead to total shut down of the nervous systemCredit: Alamy
The plant, knows as Dead Man’s Fingers, was spotted in CumbriaCredit: Millom Coastguard Rescue Team
The plant’s white roots, which resemble parsnips and smell like parsley, contain a potent poison called oenanthotoxin.
Even small amounts can be fatal, causing the nervous system to shut down, leading to convulsions and death by suffocation.
Beach-goers are warned that ingesting the plant can lead to death within hours, both for humans and animals.
Hemlock water dropwort, also known as Dead Man’s Fingers, was spotted earlier this week between Drigg and Parton, following recent severe weather.
The plant typically grows along river and stream banks, but it is believed that recent storms may have caused it to wash up on the beach.
It is a flowering plant in the carrot family, with a “highly poisonous” root that looks like parsnip.
The Millom Coastguard Rescue Team has urged the public to stay vigilant, particularly those with children and pets, and avoid the plant entirely.
It said: “Even a small portion can prove fatal to humans by attacking the nervous system. It is also fatal to animals.
“We advise people to stay vigilant, avoid this plant and take extra care when visiting the beach.”
Visitors are urged to report any sightings to their local council for safe disposal, and are strongly advised not to touch the plant.