The giant hogweed may look innocuous, but the plant's sap can cause third-degree burns and permanent blindness. The invasive plant is so dangerous that officials in Virginia issued a warning to residents after thirty of the invasive plants were discovered in the northern part of the state.
The Isle of Wight County Virginia posted a safety advisory on Facebook telling residents that the "Giant Hogweed makes Poison Ivy look like a walk in the park," and asking them to report any sightings of the plant to authorities.
**Safety Alert**Giant Hogweed reportedly found in Virginia
If you have never heard of Giant Hogweed, you’re not alone! But, Giant Hogweed makes Poison Ivy look like a walk in the park. Contact with this plant, combine with exposure to the sun, can produce 3rd degree burns and permanent blindness.
This plant is currently on the Virginia Invasive Plants Early Detection Species list - (http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/natural-he…/invsp-earlydetection). This designation means the plant is not yet widely established in Virginia, but is known to be highly invasive in habitats similar to ours.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation investigates reports of the plant and takes action to eradicate it to prevent permanent establishment. If you come across this plant, you can report sightings of an invasive species here, (http://www.vainvasivespecies.org/report-sightings)
The plant is on the Virginia Invasive Plants Early Detection Species list. The sap is extremely toxic and when exposed to sunlight can cause third-degree burns. Effects of the sap can linger on exposed areas for years. It can also cause permanent blindness if it gets in your eyes.
Officials in Virginia are working to eradicate the giant hogweed before it has a chance to spread. If anybody sees the plant they are advised to contact the proper authorities to remove it either by digging it up or using herbicides to kill it. They warned that people should not use a weed-whacker because that could cause the sap to splatter and spread.
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