Beware Of This Invasive NY Plant Which Can Alter Human DNA & Cause Painful Skin Damage
One of our favorite things about the warmer months in NYC is all the stunning greenery and colorful flowers bringing life and character to the otherwise drab concrete jungle, but there’s one flower in particular that, though it looks pretty, should be avoided at all costs.
That flower is the Giant Hogweed, and though it doesn’t look like like it it’s actually one of the most dangerous invasive plants in the U.S.–and unfortunately for us the Giant Hogweed is all over NY.
According to the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), the plant “can cause painful burns and scarring. Brushing against or breaking the plant releases sap that, combined with sunlight and moisture, can cause a severe burn within 24 to 48 hours.”
Here’s everything you need to know about the Giant Hogweed so you can safely avoid it:
What does Giant Hogweed look like?
Thankfully Giant Hogweed is kind of hard to miss as it’s name is no joke–it can grow a whopping 14+ feet tall and its leaves can measure up to 5 feet wide!
And though some other plants can look very similar, you can look for dark reddish-purple blotches and coarse
white hairs on the plant’s stem to determine if it’s a Giant Hogweed or not. The Invasive Species Centre also writes that from late spring to mid-summer, Giant Hogweed produces a large upside-down umbrella-shaped head with white flowers that can grow up to 2.5 feet in diameter.
Common lookalikes include the Cow Parsnip, Angelica plant, Wild Parsnip, Queen Anne’s Lace, Poison Hemlock, Common Elderberry, and Pokeweed.
Where does Giant Hogweed grow?
The NYS DEC writes “Giant Hogweeds tend to grow along streams and rivers, as well as in fields, forests, yards, and near roadsides. It prefers sunny areas and moist soils and can also grow in partial shade.”
Where in NY can I find Giant Hogweed?
Thankfully, according to a map created by the NYS DEC, Giant Hogweed can’t be found in NYC. It is, however, growing on Long Island and in other parts of New York State. NY Post writes that the plant is present in all but nine of New York State’s 62 counties, encompassing nearly 1,150 active sites.
The 2024 Giant Hogweed Active Sites Map can be seen below:
What happens if I come into contact with Giant Hogweed?
All parts of the plant contain toxic sap that prevents your skin from protecting itself from sunlight. This means that, if you touch Giant Hogweed, you can develop Phytophotodermatitis, a serious skin inflammation which can be made worse by heat and moisture.
Phytophotodermatitis can begin as soon as 15 minutes after coming into contact with Giant Hogweed sap and can result in painful blisters that form within 48 hours and become dark and pigmented.
Lasting impact of Giant Hogweed burns may include scars that last up to six years (though they typically only last a few months) as well as long-term sunlight sensitivity.
The plant can even alter human DNA, and the Invasive Species Centre also writes that “eye contact with the sap has been reported (in the media and by various web sites) to cause temporary or permanent blindness, though this has not been confirmed.”
What should I do if I come into contact with Giant Hogweed?
If you come into contact with the plant the NYS DEC suggests you do the following:
- Wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water asap
- Keep exposed area covered and protected from sunlight for 48 hours
- See a physician if you have a reaction
- If a reaction occurs, apply topical steroids early to reduce the severity of the reaction and ease discomfort
- If sap goes in eyes, rinse them with water, wear sunglasses or cover your eyes, and seek medical care
- If a reaction has occurred, protect the skin from the sun until it is fully healed, which can take several years
How can I stay safe when near Giant Hogweed?
The NYS DEC urges you to take precaution when near Giant Hogweed, which entails:
- Do not touch the plant with bare skin
- Apply sunblock and wear long, waterproof gloves, long sleeves, pants, boots, and eye protection when working near or with giant hogweed
- When possible, wear synthetic water-resistant materials
- Keep water, soap, and eyewash near your work area in case of exposure to sap
- Maintain distance from others when controlling giant hogweed as sap can splash three to four feet when plants are cut or damaged
- When removing contaminated protective gear and work clothes, take care not to touch your skin
- Wash equipment with soap and water and launder work clothes
- If you cannot shower immediately after performing control activities, wash as best as you can on site and take a full shower as soon as possible
The New York State Department of Health notes that you can call the toll-free Giant Hogweed Hotline at 1-845-256-3111 for more information and to report the location where you saw giant hogweed.
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