A warning has been issued over a plant that can cause blistering and discomfort.
The plant sap of Giant hogweed is extremely toxic, making it a danger to public health. Contact with any part of the invasive, non-native weed, followed by exposure to UV light, including the sun, can cause severe discomfort and blistering to the skin.
As its name implies, the overriding feature of Giant hogweed is its sheer size - with the plant able to grow up to five metres high. It has a stem that measures up to 10 centimetres in diameter, and the plant itself produces a large, white, umbrella-shaped flowering head, with a single umbel capable of producing 50,000 seeds per head.
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Its leaves are sharply serrated or divided, and can reach up to three metres - and the stem of the plant is typically covered in blotchy purple markings. Sharp bristles can also often be found on the stem and under the leaves.
Daniel Docking, Technical Manager of the Property Care Association’s Invasive Weed Control Group, says it is important that people are aware of the plant, so they can avoid any problems.
Daniel said: “Each year, we have reports of people who have been injured after inadvertently coming into contact with Giant hogweed. Quite often it is children who are affected while playing outdoors in the summer months.
"This year we are particularly concerned, as the wet Spring, coupled with warmer temperatures in mid-May, are providing the optimum conditions for the plant to thrive.”
The PCA has a five-point guide to help the public identify the plant, covering its main features;
Height - As its name implies, the overriding feature of Giant hogweed is its sheer size. The plant can grow up to five metres high.
Stem size - It has a stem that measures up to 10 centimetres in diameter.
Flowers - The plant produces a large, white, umbrella-shaped flowering head, with a single umbel capable of producing 50,000 seeds per head.
Leaves - Giant hogweed has sharply serrated or divided leaves, which reach up to three metres.
Markings - Giant hogweed’s stem is usually covered in blotchy purple markings. Sharp bristles can also be found on the stem and under the leaves.
Daniel said: "Giant Hogweed does have distinct features, which should help people to recognise it, although we urge the public not to get too close to the plant to identify it. Sometimes it can be confused with UK’s native Hogweed, Cow Parsley, or even Hemlock. However, these are much smaller in size and their leaves have a smoother outline.”
A free guide from the PCA’s Invasive Weed Control Group on managing Giant hogweed is available to view here.
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