Brits are being urged to take extra care around 'Britain's most dangerous plant', giant hogweed. Prevalent at this time of year, the toxic flowering plant has been causing horrendous blistering burns on both adults and children.
While giant hogweed usually grows near waterways, experts have explained they are losing a battle to eradicate its presence, after homeowners have spotted the plant popping up in their parks and gardens. It might look harmless, but this invasive plant harbours toxic sap on its stems — and can be extremely dangerous when it comes into contact with bare skin.
Over in Bolton, one primary school girl suffered second-degree burns after touching the plant while playing in a park. She suffered severe blistering on her hands and was admitted to hospital. Meanwhile, one man in Cornwall was left unable to walk after feeling like he was "on fire" after coming into contact with the plant.
"After that it was absolutely excruciating pain in my calf muscle; my skin was literally feeling like it was on fire," he told The Metro. "The best I could do was get myself to the toilet or the bathroom, I've spent a lot of time in bed, a lot of time sleeping. I can't stand even now for very long. Walking is getting a little easier."
With the weather warming up, experts have expressed new fears that giant hogweed will spread further. One Facebook post read: "Now is the season for 'Britain's most dangerous plant' and with the lovely weather forecast in a couple of weeks time, this stuff will thrive and spread.
"Any parts of the body that come into contact with the sap of a giant hogweed should be immediately washed with soap and cold water and seek medical advice. Further exposure to sunlight should be avoided for at least 48 hours."
Guy Barter, chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), previously told The Times that flooding has meant the plant's seeds have spread to previously untouched areas.
He also warned people to take extra care if they have spotted it growing: "It can cause some very nasty injuries which take a long time to heal. The beast has purple blotches and coarse hairs on its stems. In most places where you see it in summer, it is enormous.
"It's a very pretty plant but I would strongly advise anyone not to grow it. It can cause some very nasty injuries which take a long time to heal."
Giant hogweed was first introduced to the UK in the 1980s as an ornamental plant, but quickly spread across the country. It is also very invasive, over-powering other flowers in the same area and reducing wildlife, too.
What happens if you touch the plant?
It's a flowering plant in the same family as carrots. Giant hogweed typically grows to a height of around two to five metres. Serious reactions to the skin are caused by 'furocoumarin derivatives' in its stems, leaves, roots and seeds.
It can lead to skin inflammation and blisters, with a reaction to the plant happening around 15 minutes after first coming into contact with it.
Children should take extra care, especially when playing outside in overgrown areas. It can easily be mistaken as a harmless plant, so young children can unknowingly pick the flowering heads without realising.
More serious cases include people having long-term sensitivity to sunlight after touching the plant, as well as blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes.
As well as growing wild in the countryside, it is also known to flower in gardens if they are left unkept. Keep an eye open when out on walks to ensure young children and dogs don't come into contact with the plant.
What steps should you take afterwards?
- Wash the affected area with cold water as soon as possible
- Keep away from sunlight
- See a physician or local doctor if you have a serious reaction or any questions