Beware the Hogweed Invasion
By James Donahue
It looks like a giant version of Queen Ann’s Lace and its display of white ornamental flowers is lovely to admire . . . but from a distance. It is perhaps one of the more toxic plants to humans to be found anywhere. And after sweeping Europe it is now being found throughout Canada and portions of the Northeastern United States.
The sap of this plant will cause up to third degree burns of the skin that are extremely painful, take weeks and even months to heal, and sometimes leave scars. The blisters are light sensitive and intensify when the victim is exposed to sunlight. This sensitivity to sunlight is reportedly long-term. Heat and moisture also causes the skin blisters to get worse. If the sap splatters into the eyes it can cause blindness.
Health authorities warn people to be aware of this dangerous plant and if seen, great care should be used in attempting to remove it. The poisonous sap is located in all parts of the plant but mostly in the lower part of the hollow stems and petioles; the hollow hairs on the plant; the foliage, stem, flower and even the seeds.
When near the hogweed, wear protective gloves and clothing and never touch any part of the plant with the bare skin. Never mow, cut or weed whack this plant. Instead contact a professional plant control specialist for advice. If you get sap on your clothes be careful not to touch the cloth when the clothing is removed. Then wash separately with warm water and detergent.
If exposed to the sap, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cold water immediately. Stay away from sunlight for at least 48 hours. If the sap gets in the eyes, rinse with water and wear sunglasses. Medical help is advised if the infection is severe. Hospitalization is sometimes necessary.
So when did giant hogweed get in the United States and how did it happen?
Wikipedia reports that the weed is native to the Caucasus region and Central Asia. It was introduced to Britain in the Nineteenth Century as an ornamental plant. Once out of its native territory it quickly spread throughout the British Isles, forming dense stands and choking out the natural wildlife. From there it spread to Germany, France, Belgium and other European countries.
The hogweed appeared in New York in about 1917 and by 1930 was recorded in British Columbia. It now has spread into Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and west to Ontario. In the states it has been found in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Maryland and New Jersey. Most recently it was found growing in Virginia and North Carolina.
Horticulturists say it is spreading in spite of serious efforts to destroy this noxious weed. While extremely poisonous to humans it does not appear to harm birds and livestock. Thus the birds feed on its seeds and manage to spread them for miles. And each plant produces an estimated 100,000 seeds.
One researcher in Maine described this plant as “Queen Anne’s lace” on steroids.
By James Donahue
It looks like a giant version of Queen Ann’s Lace and its display of white ornamental flowers is lovely to admire . . . but from a distance. It is perhaps one of the more toxic plants to humans to be found anywhere. And after sweeping Europe it is now being found throughout Canada and portions of the Northeastern United States.
The sap of this plant will cause up to third degree burns of the skin that are extremely painful, take weeks and even months to heal, and sometimes leave scars. The blisters are light sensitive and intensify when the victim is exposed to sunlight. This sensitivity to sunlight is reportedly long-term. Heat and moisture also causes the skin blisters to get worse. If the sap splatters into the eyes it can cause blindness.
Health authorities warn people to be aware of this dangerous plant and if seen, great care should be used in attempting to remove it. The poisonous sap is located in all parts of the plant but mostly in the lower part of the hollow stems and petioles; the hollow hairs on the plant; the foliage, stem, flower and even the seeds.
When near the hogweed, wear protective gloves and clothing and never touch any part of the plant with the bare skin. Never mow, cut or weed whack this plant. Instead contact a professional plant control specialist for advice. If you get sap on your clothes be careful not to touch the cloth when the clothing is removed. Then wash separately with warm water and detergent.
If exposed to the sap, wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cold water immediately. Stay away from sunlight for at least 48 hours. If the sap gets in the eyes, rinse with water and wear sunglasses. Medical help is advised if the infection is severe. Hospitalization is sometimes necessary.
So when did giant hogweed get in the United States and how did it happen?
Wikipedia reports that the weed is native to the Caucasus region and Central Asia. It was introduced to Britain in the Nineteenth Century as an ornamental plant. Once out of its native territory it quickly spread throughout the British Isles, forming dense stands and choking out the natural wildlife. From there it spread to Germany, France, Belgium and other European countries.
The hogweed appeared in New York in about 1917 and by 1930 was recorded in British Columbia. It now has spread into Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and west to Ontario. In the states it has been found in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Maryland and New Jersey. Most recently it was found growing in Virginia and North Carolina.
Horticulturists say it is spreading in spite of serious efforts to destroy this noxious weed. While extremely poisonous to humans it does not appear to harm birds and livestock. Thus the birds feed on its seeds and manage to spread them for miles. And each plant produces an estimated 100,000 seeds.
One researcher in Maine described this plant as “Queen Anne’s lace” on steroids.