The plant has been found on beaches in the south of England (Image: CornwallLive/BPM Media)
after a deadly plant reportedly washed up on several beaches in England.
The toxic root named hemlock water dropwort was spotted by a passerby on Saltram beach in Plymouth on Sunday afternoon at 5.15pm.
The deadly plant was also found in Cornwall in December 2024 at the Gannel Estuary in Newquay, as reported by CornwallLive.
Also known as dead man’s fingers, toxins in hemlock can cause muscular paralysis leading to respiratory failure or eventually death, which can happen to humans and animals after consuming just a small amount.
In Cornwall following reports of dogs getting sick, a spokesperson for Cornwall Council told CornwallLive that the root is native to the area.
They said: “We have received reports that Hemlock roots, which can be poisonous to , have washed up in the Fistral and Little Fistral area.
“Hemlock is native to Cornwall. During the winter it can be washed downstream from riverbanks and ends up on our beaches. As a precaution, we are putting up signs urging dog owners to be vigilant and keep their pets on a lead.”
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National Trust leader ranger at Saltram and Plymbridge, Federico Ghittoni, confirmed it is a very common native plant found along waterways across the UK, whose root systems help prevent soil erosion along riverbanks, aiding in natural flood management.
He added: “While this plant is highly toxic and should never be foraged or consumed, it is a natural part of the landscape and tends to grow in areas away from public access at Saltram.
“However, we always encourage visitors, including dog owners, to be mindful when exploring natural spaces and avoid picking or handling any unfamiliar plants.”
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He added that visitors could speak with any of the rangers on site about concerns over plants or wildlife to keep Saltram “safe and thriving”.
Dog walkers can spot the plant by its twisted stems, similar in shape to carrots, which are often green and sometimes tinged with purple at the base. The stems grow out from a knobbly root.
Often found near waste ground, riverbanks or ditches near or in water, it also lets of an strong unpleasant smell if snapped.