The Giant Hogweed, an innocent-looking flower, is actually one of the most dangerous invasive plants in the US, particularly in New York state. Its sap contains a substance called phytophotodermatitis, which impairs the skin’s ability to protect itself from the sun’s harmful rays. This can lead to third-degree burns and even blindness, with effects that can last for months or even years. The plant’s toxicity is so potent that even brushing against it can cause painful pustules and skin damage, often without the victim realizing it until it’s too late.
Patryck Jones, an assistant pastor at Life Church in Syracuse, experienced the devastating effects of the Giant Hogweed firsthand. After spending a hot day clearing the brush around his church, he began to feel itching and burning on his skin. Initially mistaking it for a reaction to stinging nettles, he applied cortisone cream and continued with his day. However, the symptoms worsened over the following week, resulting in intense burning, itching, swelling, and the formation of pustules and blisters that broke open and left behind open sores. One year later, Jones still bears scarring on his legs as a result of the exposure.
The reaction to Giant Hogweed sap can be exacerbated by sweat, making it an even bigger hazard during the summer months when the plant is in full bloom. According to Daniel H. Waldhorn, an expert on invasive plants for the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the pain can persist for several days and the effects can last for months or even years. In Jones’ case, the rash was mainly confined to his legs, although his hands also experienced inflammation, which was further aggravated by his pre-existing condition of Lyme disease.
Giant Hogweed was brought to the US from the Caucasus Mountains in Russia and Eurasia over two centuries ago and quickly gained notoriety for its harmful effects. The plant’s toxic sap can be found throughout its foliage, stem, flower, and even its seeds. The invasive plant is particularly widespread in New York, thanks to garden centers that unknowingly sold it in the early 1900s. Currently, there are nearly 1,150 active sites infested with Giant Hogweed across the state. However, the number of reported cases of exposure may not accurately reflect the true extent of the problem, as many cases are misidentified as burns caused by similar plants like Wild Parsnip.
In the last five years, only ten cases of Giant Hogweed exposure were reported to the Upstate Poison Control Center. However, this number may be an underestimation, as many people who suffer burns from Giant Hogweed may not report it, and others may mistake the plant for a different species. Burns have been reported in various counties since 2020, and experts believe that there are likely more cases that go unreported. Despite the severity and long-lasting effects of his exposure, Jones never reported his encounter with the plant to authorities.
Efforts to eradicate Giant Hogweed have proven challenging due to its prolific seed production. Each plant can produce up to 100,000 seeds, making it difficult to control and eliminate. The New York Department of Environmental Conservation has been working on a program to control the spread of Hogweed since 2008. They encourage individuals who encounter Giant Hogweed to report it so that the area can be inspected and the plants safely removed. It’s important to note that cutting down the stalks with a weed whacker is not recommended, as it causes the sap to spray everywhere, increasing the risk of exposure.
To prevent potential exposure, experts advise avoiding the plant altogether. With the dangerous consequences of coming into contact with Giant Hogweed, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and report any sightings to the appropriate authorities.
