A weed dubbed Britain's most dangerous plant because of the horrific burns it inflicts on anyone who touches it - especially children - its set to thrive in the weeks ahead thanks to recent weather conditions.
Giant Hogweeed is rapidly spreading across the UK and the recent weather conditions have been perfect for the plant to thrive as we head into summer.
The plant grows wild as well as in gardens and is becoming common the in the UK, but when it comes into contact with skin it causes a painful blistering rash.
The recent warm weather and plenty of rain after a mild winter has created the perfect conditions for this hazardous plant to thrive, reports GloucestershireLive .
The hogweed looks relatively attractive and is part of the carrot family, but contains toxic chemicals.
What is giant hogweed?
Giant hogweed, or Heracleum mantegazzianum, is a weed which has dangerous effects on human health.
Growing up to five metres tall, its sap contains toxic chemicals which react with light when in contact with human skin, causing blistering within 48 hours.
Effectively it prevents the skin from protecting itself from sunlight, which can lead to very bad sunburn and scarring.
What does giant hogweed look like?
It's actually pretty and looks a bit like cow parsley. It's got green stem spotted with dark red which varies from 3–8 cm in diameter. Each dark red spot on the stem surrounds a hair, and large, coarse white hairs occur at the base of the leaf stalk.
It produces white flowers clustered in an umbrella-shaped head that is up to 80 cm in diameter across its flat top.
Colette Jones, Chairwoman of Friends of Close Park where Giant Hogweed was spotted, told The Bolton News : "Children are drawn to them because they grow so tall. They break them off to use them as sticks not realising how dangerous they are."
What are the symptoms from giant hogweed exposure?
Exposure can result in blisters, long-lasting scars, and - if it comes in contact with eyes - blindness.
The blisters will form within 48 hours - scars can last for years.
It can also cause cause long-term sunlight sensitivity in people who touch it.
Black or purplish scars may be left on your skin for years after.
What should I do if I come into contact with giant hogweed?
Medical professionals say you should cover the affected area, and wash it with soap and water.
The blisters heal very slowly and can develop into phytophotodermatitis, a type of skin rash which flares up in sunlight.
If you feel unwell or have a severe reaction you are advised to see a doctor.
Where did giant hogweed come from?
Giant hogweed was among the foreign plants introduced to Britain in the 19th century as an ornamental plant, but it's now widespread throughout the British Isles.
It's invasive, which means that it chokes off other plants and can reduce wildlife in an area.
The plant is native to the Caucasus region and Central Asia.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 made it illegal to plant or cause giant hogweed to grow in the wild.
Where does giant hogweed grow?
It is found in most of the UK, along footpaths and riverbanks though it also grows in places like parks, cemeteries and wasteland.
How does giant hogweed hurt humans?
The sap of giant hogweed has chemicals which are toxic to humans and cause photosensitivity. The sap is phototoxic and can cause phytophotodermatitis.
When they touch skin, they effectively remove any protection against the sunlight causing severe skin inflammations.
Children have been hospitalised and suffered third-degree burns to their skin before.
The severe reaction to the plant is caused by the presence of linear derivates of furanocomarin in the plant's leaves, seeds, flowers, stems and roots.
The chemicals enter the cells' nucleus forming bonds with DNA and cause cells to die.
How can I get rid of giant hogweed?
The RHS advises caution when removing the plant - cover arms and legs, and ideally wear a face mask when working on it.
Cut plant debris, contaminated clothing and tools are potentially hazardous too.
Wash any skin that comes in contact with the plant immediately.
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 made it illegal to plant or cause giant hogweed to grow in the wild. Giant hogweed clearances are carried out to remove the plant.
