This post was first published in June 2019 but the warning bears repeating.
This is hemlock water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata), by some accounts the UK’s most poisonous plant.
It is a tall, impressive plant that grows thickly on either side of the Lambrok tributary. It has bright green, ferny foliage and, at this time of year, many large white umbelliferous flowers that attract beetles and flying insects.
ferny foliage large umbelliferous flowers by the Lambrok tributary attracting many insects
Photographs by Suzanne Humphries
Hemlock water dropwort is easily confused with several plants that have edible roots or leaves. Here is a very frightening video to make the differences clear to anybody who might be thinking about foraging for wild food in the park.
More poisons to worry about later in the year.
I did not know this. I find it a bit worrying that such a poisonous plant is so common.
I prefer to play safe and apart from the obvious fruits found in the wild, never eat anything I find growing in the wild., especially mushrooms
Blackberries, elderflowers, crab apples, even field mushrooms, but little else; it’s dangerous out there.
Very dangerous to dogs!