Buckinghamshire residents have been urged to stay away from Giant hogweed to avoid injury this summer.

The plant sap of the invasive Giant hogweed is extremely toxic, making it a danger to public health, a trade body has warned.

Contact with any part of the non-native weed followed by exposure to UV light from the sun can cause severed discomfort and skin blistering.

In some cases, blistering can be so severe that “urgent” medical attention is needed.

Property Care Association’s invasive weed control group technical manager Daniel Docking explained: “Each year, we have reports of people who have been injured after inadvertently coming into contact with Giant hogweed.

 “Quite often it is children who are affected, while playing outdoors in the summer months.

 “Symptoms from exposure can include a rash, itching and blisters where skin comes into contact with it.  

Bucks Free Press: PCA's technical manager Daniel Docking sounded the alarm on Giant hogweed in Bucks this summerPCA's technical manager Daniel Docking sounded the alarm on Giant hogweed in Bucks this summer (Image: PCA)

 “In some cases, the blistering can be so severe that urgent medical attention is required.

 “It can also become a long-term condition, reoccurring over a period of years, with the rash and the itching coming back every time the skin is exposed to UV light.”

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He is particular concerned of this year’s Giant hogweed levels because the wet spring and warmer temperatures in mid-May have provided “the optimum conditions for the plant to thrive.”

How to identify Giant hogweed

 

It is important to be aware of the plant to avoid any problems.

Giant hogweed has distinct features, which helps to spot it. However, the public should not get too close to it to identify it, Daniel warned.

Sometimes Giant hogweed is confused with native UK Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock. They are much smaller and their leaves have smoother outlines.

Here’s is PCA’s Giant hogweed guide.

  1. Height - As its names implies, the overriding feature of Giant hogweed is its sheer size. The plant can grow up to five metres tall. 
  2. Stem size - Measures up to 10cm in diameter.  
  3. Flowers - The plant produces a large, white, umbrella shaped flowering head, with a single umbel capable of producing 50,000 seeds per head.  
  4. Leaves - Giant hogweed has sharply serrated or divided leaves, which reach up to three metres.  
  5. Markings - Giant hogweed’s stem is usually covered in blotchy purple markings. Sharp bristles can also be found on the stem and under the leaves.