Often dubbed the most poisonous plant in the UK, Oenanthe crocata, or hemlock water-dropwort, has an array of gruesome-sounding names including dead man's fingers, dead tongue and balder root. The toxins in the plant attack the nervous system, causing the body to shut down.
Despite its name and similar appearance, it is different to hemlock (Conium maculatum), which is also very poisonous and grows in abundance as a wildflower.
- Has nature gone rogue? Discover 10 freaky monstrous plants that think they're animals, from vampires to zombies
- "Poisoning causes lung collapse, brain haemorrhage and death" – discover the world’s 10 most poisonous, deadliest plants
What is hemlock water-dropwort?
Hemlock water-dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) is a perennial plant that loves to grow on damp ground including marshes or near water. A member of the carrot family Apiaceae, this plant should definitely not be put in a stew. It is native to Europe, North Africa and Asia.
iStock via Getty
What does hemlock water-dropwort look like?
Superficially resembling cow parsley, it produces neat clusters of white flowers in July and August and has lacy leaves rather like giant coriander or flat parsley. The grooved stems might remind you of celery and it has swollen roots that resemble parsnips. It does not have a particular smell or taste, which makes it harder to identify as dangerous.
Is hemlock water-dropwort poisonous?
Yes - very poisonous. It contains a toxin that, if ingested, causes rapid death in humans and cattle, with symptoms including lung collapse, brain haemorrhage and death. Touching it is not as harmful, although it can still cause rashes and blistering. Sap can also enter the bloodstream through the eyes or wounds.
iStock via Getty
It is thought that this plant may have given rise to the term ‘sardonic grin’ as hemlock water-dropwort poisoning causes the facial muscles to spasm and contract, leaving a body with a striking ‘smile’. The ‘sardonic’ part of the name is thought to derive from the use of the plant for the ritualistic killing of the elderly and criminals in ancient Sardinia.
- An agonising way to die: this tree contains one of nature's deadliest poisons
- "It drops large cones that weigh 40 pounds apiece – more than heavy enough to kill a passer-by..." 8 most dangerous trees on the planet
Instances of poisoning in humans are rare, although there was a case in Argyll in 2002 of eight people harvesting the roots thinking they were carrots and cooking them in a curry. All eight were taken to hospital with seizures and vomiting, but they survived following treatment. Without treatment renal failure could have occurred.
If you think you have been poisoned by hemlock water-dropwort seek immediate professional medical help.
How to deal with hemlock water-dropwort
It is advised to get an expert to remove hemlock water-dropwort for you, as the plant must be approached with extreme caution. Full protective clothing including eye protection should be worn when removing the plant and in order to stop it spreading the roots and seeds need to be completely removed.
- They ate this potato relative in a salad – then lost their minds for 11 days
- "When it blooms, it emits a horrendous aroma, similar to that of rotting meat" – 14 weirdest, bizarrest flowers on the planet
- "1 in 10 people will sustain long-term damage to their lungs, & for 1%, the infection can spread to their brain & spinal cord." What you need to know fungus storms
