Hogweed

Blisters, burns and blindness: why is hogweed in the news and what dangers does the invasive plant pose to the UK?

The flower heads reach measurements of 60cm (2ft) across. The tall, cow parsley-like plant has thick bristly stems that are often purple-blotched. Its spread can vary between about 1-2m (3.5-to 7ft). Upon contact with the plant, an individual will nearly always have a skin reaction. This skin damage will take a very long time to heal and skin sensitivity to sunlight can last for years. In some cases, something called phytophotodermatitis happens.

A primary school has issued an urgent warning about giant hogweed after a four-year-old girl suffered horrific burns.

In a statement, Hardy Mill Primary School said: "One of our children has sadly been in contact with this plant over the half term break and ended up at the hospital with second degree burns. "The council does treat along public footpaths on council land and this can be reported to [email protected] however this plant is becoming part of the environment and needs to be recognised and avoided." The incident led to her school issuing a warning to parents to be aware of the plant and what it looks like, to prevent any further injuries.

Some may be wondering how to spot the dangerous plant, as it has recently hospitalised a four-year-old with second degree burns.

If you get giant hogweed sap on your skin, wash the area with mild soap and cool water as soon as you can. And once they are in the environment it is almost impossible to get rid of them." However, severe burns might require surgery to graft new skin over the damaged area. So, it's important to be careful when cutting the stem or tearing the leaves off giant hogweed. The leaves may also have thin, white bristles. If it gets into our eyes, it can cause temporary or even permanent blindness.

TOXIC plants which can cause massive blisters and ulcers have been spotted in Scotland. Giant Hogweed can also cause blindness if it comes into contact with the ...

- Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. Similarly, breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems. The sap contains a chemical called furocoumarin which makes the skin sensitive to the sun, which can cause bad blistering.

Giant hogweed is a dangerous plant that can cause severe burns to the skin. Here's everything you need to know about the plant which can harm people with ...

If you get giant hogweed sap on your skin, wash the area with mild soap and cool water as soon as you can. However, severe burns might require surgery to graft new skin over the damaged area. So, it's important to be careful when cutting the stem or tearing the leaves off giant hogweed. If rashes or blisters start to form, seek medical attention. The leaves may also have thin, white bristles. If it gets into our eyes, it can cause temporary or even permanent blindness.

TOXIC plants which can cause massive blisters and ulcers have been spotted in Scotland. Giant Hogweed can also cause blindness if it comes into contact with the ...

- Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. Similarly, breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems. The sap contains a chemical called furocoumarin which makes the skin sensitive to the sun, which can cause bad blistering.

Horrendous pictures show the consequences some may face after coming into contact with the UK's 'most dangerous plant' – as victims warn Brits to avoid it ...

Mike Duddy, of the Mersey Basin Rivers Trust, said in 2015 it was ‘without a shadow of a doubt, the most dangerous plant in Britain’. ‘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’, Nick said. ‘In one of the photographs the blister is like the size of a golf ball – that one was absolutely horrendous; very, very painful.’ The pain grew so bad that standing became a ‘challenge’ for Nick and he was ‘housebound’. The girl is not the only recently injured child – with a 22-month-old left in ‘agony’ after a brush with the toxic weed earlier in June. The welder felt ‘nothing’ at the time – but woke up the next day ‘violently’ vomiting with a non-stop fever and terrible shivering.

Toxic plants which can cause massive blisters and ulcers have been spotted in Scotland.

- Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. Similarly, breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems. The sap contains a chemical called furocoumarin which makes the skin sensitive to the sun, which can cause bad blistering.

Giant Hogweed, also known by its Latin name Heracleum Mantegazzianum, originated in Southern Russia and Georgia. The plant is part of the Apiaceae family, which includes well-known vegetables and herbs like parsley, carrot, parsnip and coriander ...

- Stems: the stems are green with purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. Similarly, breathing in sap particles can result in respiratory problems. The sap contains a chemical called furocoumarin which makes the skin sensitive to the sun, which can cause bad blistering.

Giant Hogweed is a common plant found along hedgerows in the UK and the sap from the plant can cause burns to dogs and humans.

However we will send an officer to the area to check. We have been informed that this plant is definitely growing in Longsight Park. Hardy Mill Primary School said: “One of our children has sadly been in contact with this plant over the half term break and ended up at the hospital with second degree burns.

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If the weeds are located on private property, then these are the responsibility of the landowner.” If you notice any of these weeds on the highway, please report it online. It grows on moist fertile soils, achieving its greatest stature in partial shade. The plant is also a vigorous competitor, producing almost pure stands which exclude native vegetation and hinder anglers. The basal leaves are often 1 m or more in size. Affected skin may remain sensitive for several years.