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Official Warning Has Gone Out About This Plant That Causes Burns And Blindness. Know How To Spot It And Avoid It

Has anybody ever told you that you had a green thumb? Perhaps you really enjoy plants, but regardless of whether you have a lot of plants or not, you likely appreciate the variety that we have in nature all around us. Most of us don’t give plants much thought, outside of the pleasure that they can bring to us. There is a plant that is now spreading its way across the country and if you touch it, it can cause some serious problems.

A number of officials from different states are now giving a warning about this invasive plant. They want to help people avoid some of the problems that it can cause, including third-degree burns and a number of other different types of injuries due to reactions. The plant is the giant hogweed plant.

Giant hogweed is not yet found in every state in the United States but it is found in quite a few. Some of the states that now have this plant include Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, New York, Washington, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, Maine and Michigan. More recently, it has found its way into Virginia and this is causing concern among many residents.

When you first see the plant, you might think that it is actually kind of pretty. If you go close to it and touch it, however, it could cause some serious and long-lasting damage. This is due to the sap of the giant hogweed plants because it contains chemicals known as “photosensitizing furanocoumarins.” When these chemicals come in contact with the skin, it makes the skin sensitive to light.

Because of the sudden sensitivity to the sun, it can lead to some serious skin problems, including third-degree burns. It is even worse if somebody happens to accidentally get these chemicals into their eyes because it could lead to blindness.

Now that giant hogweed has entered into yet another state, it is important for those who live in the state or are visiting to recognize and easily identify the plant.

Giant hogweed lives up to its name because it can be anywhere from 8-14 feet tall. The cluster of small white flowers appears in an umbrella formation. The leaves are dark green and can be as much as 5 feet wide. The stem is hollow with white hair and purple speckles.

If you accidentally come in contact with giant hogweed, there is no time to lose. According to the New Jersey Department of Health:

immediately get in out of the sun

– splashing the area with cold water

– rinsing thoroughly with soap

– apply sunscreen to the affected area or keep it covered for months after initial contact

According to New York State officials, you should not attempt to remove giant hogweed from your property on your own. They made the following statement:

“Do not mow, cut or weed whack the plant, as it will just send up new growth and put you at risk for being exposed to sap — the same kind of thing that would happen with poison ivy or sumac. Seek advice from professional plant control specialists about management options.

If you must touch giant hogweed, wear disposable rubber gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and pants. If you get sap on your clothes, carefully remove the clothing to avoid skin and eye contact and wash separately from other clothing with warm water and detergent.”

The bottom line is, giant hogweed is not something to trifle with. If you see it, avoid the area and have the professionals come in to remove it.

You can learn more about this dangerous plant in the following video: