Appeal for vigilance after discovery of toxic plant

This plant, which is toxic if eaten, was found washed up on Tyrella Beach. Image: Newcastle Coastguard.

By Lisa Ramsden

 

DOG walkers, and livestock owners whose animals graze near shorelines and riverbanks, have been urged to be vigilant after a highly toxic plant was washed up along the local coastline in recent days.

Hemlock Water Dropwort – which is also known as Dead Man’s Fingers or Poisonous Parsnip – was found on Tyrella Beach late last week.

The discovery, and the warning to dog walkers, was issued on Saturday by Newcastle Coastguard on its social media.

Accompanied by an image of the dangerous plant, the team’s post stated: ‘We have been alerted to the appearance of the highly toxic Hemlock Water Dropwort on Tyrella Beach.

‘Also known as Dead Man’s Fingers, it is poisonous if eaten by dogs and can be fatal if not treated quickly. Dog walkers are urged to be vigilant if walking on local beaches.’

The post was also shared by a local veterinary practice, in a bid to circulate the warning further, whilst Councillor Alan Lewis subsequently praised the Coastguard team for issuing the advice, and confirmed he had asked the local council to take action to remove the plant from the beach.

Calling on council “to eradicate the invasive species”, Cllr Lewis explained that although the plant is not poisonous to the touch is it if ingested.

Contact with its sap, he added, can also cause a rash and blistering.

Having conducted some research into the plant, Mr Lewis said he had ascertained that Hemlock Water Dropwort prefers damp places and can grow in huge colonies on waste ground, riverbanks and ditches, but can also be seen along roadside verges.

It can, he added, “be distinguished by the distinctive and unpleasant, mouldy smell of its foliage and its purple-spotted stems.”

Cllr Lewis concluded: “I would worry that the plant could be easily eaten by agricultural or domestic animals, as a precaution, following on from the issue being highlighted on social media, I have asked that council investigate and if necessary, place temporary signs to alert residents of the presence of these plants.”