Giant Hogweed: some call it Queen Anne's lace on growth hormones and others are just plain speechless. As its name suggests, Giant Hogweed can get huge, growing to a height of 12 feet and a flower width of 24 inches - that's 2 feet across.
However, that's not the scary part. It is toxic.
Giant Hogweed is a native to the Caucasus Mountain region between the Black and Caspian Sea. In the early 20th century, it was introduced to the United States as an ornamental garden plant.
Today, it is located in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Virginia, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
It can spread very easily and adapt to many different habitats including road ditches, stream banks and open lots/fields.
Giant Hogweed is very difficult to remove for a number of reasons. To begin, the seeds of Giant Hogweed can remain viable for more than 10 years! This can make the plant's removal process a long one.
Also, did I mention this plant is toxic? The sap from this plant contains chemicals called furanocoumarins. When the chemicals are on the skin and combine with sunlight, this can cause a toxic skin reaction called phytophotodermatitis.
Giant Hogweed is not the only plant that contains these chemicals. Wild parsnip, a plant that arrived in the United States as a root crop in the early 1600s, contains sap that also causes phytophotodermatitis.
When the sap of wild parsnip is touched, the phytophotodermatitis reaction causes skin discoloration, burns and even blisters.
However, the effects caused by Giant Hogweed are much worse than wild parsnip's.
The skin reaction can resemble third degree burns with permanent scarring, and if the eyes are involved, it can cause blindness.
If you encounter Giant Hogweed make sure you avoid skin contact with the plant.
If accidental exposure occurs wash the infected area with cold water and soap.
Also protect the skin from sunlight for at least 48 hours. If a reaction occurs, contact your physician.
Identification of the plant is important especially since New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been mapping Giant Hogweed.
In fact, 28 counties have been recorded to have the plant.
To view the distribution map log onto: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/41952.html.
If you think you may have Giant Hogweed on your property, please call either NYS DEC at (518) 402-9425 or Cornell Cooperative Extension at 255-1183 for correct identification.
Renee Jensen is a community educator of environmental issues at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.
Giant Hogweed is a native to the Caucasus Mountain region between the Black and Caspian Sea. In the early 20th century, it was introduced to the United States as an ornamental garden plant.
Today, it is located in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Virginia, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.
It can spread very easily and adapt to many different habitats including road ditches, stream banks and open lots/fields.
Giant Hogweed is very difficult to remove for a number of reasons. To begin, the seeds of Giant Hogweed can remain viable for more than 10 years! This can make the plant's removal process a long one.
Also, did I mention this plant is toxic? The sap from this plant contains chemicals called furanocoumarins. When the chemicals are on the skin and combine with sunlight, this can cause a toxic skin reaction called phytophotodermatitis.
Giant Hogweed is not the only plant that contains these chemicals. Wild parsnip, a plant that arrived in the United States as a root crop in the early 1600s, contains sap that also causes phytophotodermatitis.
When the sap of wild parsnip is touched, the phytophotodermatitis reaction causes skin discoloration, burns and even blisters.
However, the effects caused by Giant Hogweed are much worse than wild parsnip's.
The skin reaction can resemble third degree burns with permanent scarring, and if the eyes are involved, it can cause blindness.
If you encounter Giant Hogweed make sure you avoid skin contact with the plant.
If accidental exposure occurs wash the infected area with cold water and soap.
Also protect the skin from sunlight for at least 48 hours. If a reaction occurs, contact your physician.
Identification of the plant is important especially since New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has been mapping Giant Hogweed.
In fact, 28 counties have been recorded to have the plant.
To view the distribution map log onto: www.dec.ny.gov/animals/41952.html.
If you think you may have Giant Hogweed on your property, please call either NYS DEC at (518) 402-9425 or Cornell Cooperative Extension at 255-1183 for correct identification.
Renee Jensen is a community educator of environmental issues at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cayuga County.
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