Dead Man’s Fingers
Morbid Curiosity 9
The Hemlock Water Dropwort, often referred to as ‘Dead Man’s Fingers’, is the most poisonous plant in the UK, and can be found growing in other locations around the world. It grows by bodies of water and though it appears harmless, it is quite the opposite. Often mistaken for parsley in appearance, with reports of it having both a pleasant smell and a pleasant taste akin to that of parsnips, it may seem safe to harvest and add to a freshly foraged salad. Don’t be tempted, however — ingesting this plant means certain death in a most horrific fashion.
The toxin ‘Oenanthotoxin’ can be extracted from this plant as well as other plants of the genus Oenanthe. The toxin targets the central nervous system and causes a myriad of unpleasant symptoms such as seizures, renal failure, respiratory failure, and paralysis. If you touch or ingest the Hemlock Water Dropwort and fail to seek immediate medical attention to lessen your symptoms you will almost certainly face death.
What is curious about this plant is the rumored smile that accompanies its victims. There have been reports of those who have died with a smile on their face after ingesting the plant, perhaps due to the toxin's effect on the central nervous system. There was a report that involved a Sardinian shepherd who committed suicide by eating a Hemlock Water Dropwort whose corpse left a post-mortem grin.
Though scientists have debated whether such an event is a mere coincidence or not, it’s a rather fascinating thing to think about. Some believe it to be the origin of Homer’s phrase‘sardonic smile’, meaning a person who smiles in a bitter or cynical fashion. A grin amongst morbid circumstances.
Regardless of whether the death-smile is a true factor or not, it’s still best to leave the Hemlock Water Dropwort alone. Leave the foraging to the botanists who know what they’re doing, and go and buy your garnish from the supermarket.
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