Some of nature’s most dangerous predators are also some of the most beautiful specimens that you’ll ever see. Such is the case with giant hogweed. This plant came into public knowledge when it crossed the Atlantic Ocean and officially established itself in the United States as an invasive species. Learn more about this terrifying plant.
What is giant hogweed?
Giant hogweed, also known by its Latin Heracleum mantegazzianum, is a plant that is native to Hungary and southwest Asia. Though it was introduced to the United States in 1917, it only recently started establishing itself in different communities.
Giant hogweed is a stunningly beautiful plant, which is part of what makes it so dangerous. It can grow to be up to 14 feet tall, with large broad leaves spreading several feet. When it blooms, giant hogweed produces clusters of white flowers.
Symptoms of poison
Giant hogweed produces a toxic sap that makes the skin extremely sensitive to light. The chemicals in this sap are known as photosensitizing furanocouramins. The sap works quickly, causing whatever it touches to become exceedingly sensitive to light.
When skin is touched by the sap, it can break out in very serious burns caused by exposure to the sun. These burns get progressively worse and lead to blisters over a period of several days. The burns can leave scabs that last a lifetime.
Even worse, though, is what giant hogweed can do to your eyes. If the sap touches your eyes—for example, if you touch it and later rub your eyes—it can cause blindness. This blindness may resolve itself after a period of days or it may become permanent.
How to avoid this plant
It’s clear that you want to avoid this plant by any means possible. If you live in the United States, it’s worth keeping track of this plant’s spread and keeping an eye for it on your travels. Currently, giant hogweed is established in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon, Ohio, Michigan, and Virginia.
If giant hogweed gets into your yard, you must deal with it swiftly. This species is incredibly invasive, so it can crowd out the other plants in your yard and put you and your neighbors at risk.
However, you cannot get rid of giant hogweed yourself. If you try to cut it down and get rid of the roots, the plant will shoot down deeper roots and spread even more. Rather, you’ll want to contact an invasive species expert and have them remove the plant. They should be well-educated in giant hogweed and its eradication.
On the off-chance that you do get giant hogweed sap on your skin and eyes, seek immediate medical attention. It’s important to thoroughly rinse the skin and eyes. Coating the skin in sunscreen can minimize your burns, and wearing sunglasses may keep your eyes from getting burned by the sun.
Giant hogweed poses a huge threat to any community it enters. Become familiar with this plant so you can keep it away from you and your family.
Sources:
http://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/giant-hogweed-8-facts-you-must-know-about-the-toxic-plant/1/
http://www.justnaturallife.com/dont-touch-this-plant-it-will-burn-your-skin-and-cause-blindness/
http://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/hogweed.shtml
Nicole Penguin
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