The highly invasive species, Giant Hogweed, can cause severe burns and even blindness – even its sap, a danger to humans and pets, is a risk, and weed experts are warning the public
Plant specialists are raising concerns about a widespread species that can cause horrific burns, potentially returning for years and even leading to sight loss.
This extremely invasive variety poses particular dangers through its sap, which triggers photosensitivity, creating serious risks for both people and animals.
Jennifer Holmes from Environment Controls has delivered a chilling alert regarding Giant Hogweed, urging utmost care around this specimen frequently discovered along riverside paths and within wooded areas.
She said: “This dramatic looking plant, found along many a river path, or woodland walk, must be treated with extreme caution. Its toxic sap contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and is a danger to humans and pets. Its distinctive flower heads emerge in June – and can be easily mistaken for other plants such as Cow parsley (non-toxic), Hemlock or Hemlock water dropwort (both highly toxic).”
She added: “If you touch Giant Hogweed you may not notice anything immediately as the effects may take up to 24 hours to emerge, but soon large blisters will form on skin and will recur when exposed to sunlight. As well as its harmful properties, as it colonises river banks this can make it difficult to eradicate – do not try to remove it yourself, always consult an expert.”, reports the Express.
Giant Hogweed, scientifically termed heracleum mantegazzianum, represents an invasive, foreign plant variety included within The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. Planting this species or allowing it to spread into the wild is an offence, as it aggressively invades natural habitats.
Landowners are legally responsible for controlling its growth, and failure to do so – especially if it spreads onto neighbouring properties – can result in fines or other legal consequences.
Daniel Docking from Property Care Association (PCA) also emphasised the importance of public knowledge on the matter: “It is important to make the public aware of the presence of giant hogweed, and the risks associated with exposure to it,” reports Manchester Evening News.
He went on to stress the escalating worry: “This is a highly invasive weed that grows vigorously and its distribution and frequency is increasing over time. Every year there are reports of injuries affecting people who have come into contact with the plant, as it produces a skin reaction that is antagonised by exposure to sunlight.”
Agonising Recurring Blisters and Burns
These aren’t ordinary burns; skin affected by Giant Hogweed may develop blisters repeatedly upon sun exposure, potentially for years after the initial encounter, reports Wales Online.
Blindness and Eye Damage
Contact with the sap, particularly in the eyes, can lead to severe irritation, blurred or lost vision, and, in rare but serious cases, permanent blindness. This makes it especially hazardous for curious children and pets who may unknowingly come into contact with the common plant.
Delayed Reaction
Those who come into contact with the perilous plant may not exhibit symptoms for up to two days, often leading to unsuspecting individuals spending even more time in the sun, thereby worsening the damage.
How can you identify Giant Hogweed?
The PCA has provided guidance to help people distinguish the dangerous giant hogweed, which can easily be confused with Britain’s native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock plants, although these are significantly smaller and have leaves with a smoother edge.
The association strongly advises against getting too close to the plant when trying to identify it.
Key characteristics of giant hogweed include its height: The Giant Hogweed is an exceptionally tall biennial or perennial herbaceous plant, capable of growing over 10 feet.
- Flowers: It flaunts large, white, umbrella-shaped flower heads (up to 50cm wide) that resemble an oversized Cow parsley.
- Stem: The stems are thick, hollow, and ridged, coloured green with distinctive purple blotches and stiff, white hairs.
- Leaves: The leaves are large, deeply lobed, and sharply toothed, often reaching over a metre in width.
- What should you do if you react to Giant Hogweed?
- If you or your pet come into contact with the sap of Giant Hogweed, it’s crucial to rinse the affected area thoroughly and immediately with soap and cold water. Make sure to keep the exposed skin out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours.
- If blisters develop, or if the sap gets into the eyes, seek urgent medical care.
- Owing to the longevity of the Giant Hogweed’s seeds and the hazard posed by its poisonous sap, professional removal is required.
