An invasive plant known as giant hogweed is popping up in New York. The state's Department of Environmental Conservation wants you to be aware that the giant hogweed plant should not be touched. To this end, the agency is helping citizens to identify the giant hogweed, as well as providing a hotline for help in getting rid of it.
Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum), according to the NYDEC, is a federally listed noxious weed.
"Its sap, in combination with moisture and sunlight, can cause severe skin and eye irritation, painful blistering, permanent scarring and blindness. Contact between the skin and the sap of this plant occurs either through brushing against the bristles on the stem or breaking the stem or leaves." The agency says that giant hogweed "poses a serious health threat" and recommends seeing a physician "if you think you have been burned by giant hogweed."
Giant hogweed can grow to 12 feet tall or more. The NYDEC describes it as such: "Its hollow, ridged stems grow 2-4 inches in diameter and have dark reddish-purple blotches. Its large compound leaves can grow up to five feet wide. Its white flower heads can grow up to 2.5 feet in diameter."
Photos and more help in identifying giant hogweed can be found here.
If you identify giant hogweed on your property in New York, the agency suggests getting in touch with its Giant Hogweed Control Program. For information on how to contact the Giant Hogweed Control program, click here.
