Giant Hogweed Appears in CT and NY, Causes Severe Burns and Blindness
The Weather Channel’s website says a seriously dangerous plant has been spotted in Connecticut, and New York, as well as other parts of the northeast. The Giant Hogweed plant can grow as high as 14 feet tall, and doesn’t look dangerous, but it is. It’s flowers resemble Queen Ann’s Lace, so it looks harmless, but this plant is really bad news.
According to the Weather Channel:
The plant's watery sap contains photosensitizing agents. When the sap combines with moisture and is exposed to sunlight, it can cause severe skin and eye irritation, painful blistering, permanent scarring and even blindness.
Contact between the skin and the sap of this plant occurs either through brushing against the bristles on the stem or breaking the stem or leaves.
This summer watch out for the giant hogweed plant and be sure to stay away!