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Giant Hogweed warning
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As the Victoria Day weekend approaches, it is a good time to remind anyone hiking, camping, canoeing or just enjoying the natural attraction of Grey Bruce to be aware of poisonous plants. Most people already know to stay away from poison ivy, but there are other poisonous plants to avoid, including Giant Hogweed. Giant Hogweed is a perennial plant that can grow 1 to 5.5 metres tall. The leaves are large, deeply cut with sharp coarse teeth, reaching widths in excess of 1 metre. The stems are covered in coarse, whisker-like hairs with red/purple spots. The flowers are white, umbrella shaped and up to 1.2 metres tall. Giant Hogweed is found along rivers, streams and wet land areas, but can also be found in pastureland. At this time of the year, it can be harder to distinguish the plant as it has not yet grown to its full potential and isn’t flowering. If you see Giant Hogweed, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Giant hogweed can be a serious health hazard. This plant produces a clear watery sap from the leaves and especially the stem. The sap contains furanocoumarin that causes the skin to be photosensitive. After contact with Giant Hogweed, exposure to sunlight may cause severe blistering, burns and sometimes inflamed lesions on the skin. The reaction of the skin depends on individual sensitivity. Avoid contact with eyes as temporary or permanent blindness can result.
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If you see Giant Hogweed, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Giant hogweed can be a serious health hazard. This plant produces a clear watery sap from the leaves and especially the stem. The sap contains furanocoumarin that causes the skin to be photosensitive. After contact with Giant Hogweed, exposure to sunlight may cause severe blistering, burns and sometimes inflamed lesions on the skin. The reaction of the skin depends on individual sensitivity. Avoid contact with eyes as temporary or permanent blindness can result.
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