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Daily Mirror
02-08-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Warning over common plant which can cause blindness in humans and dogs
The highly invasive species, Giant Hogweed, can cause severe burns and even blindness - even its sap, a danger to humans and pets, is a risk, and weed experts are warning the public Plant specialists are raising concerns about a widespread species that can cause horrific burns, potentially returning for years and even leading to sight loss. This extremely invasive variety poses particular dangers through its sap, which triggers photosensitivity, creating serious risks for both people and animals. Jennifer Holmes from Environment Controls has delivered a chilling alert regarding Giant Hogweed, urging utmost care around this specimen frequently discovered along riverside paths and within wooded areas. She said: "This dramatic looking plant, found along many a river path, or woodland walk, must be treated with extreme caution. Its toxic sap contains furocoumarin, which makes skin extremely sensitive to sunlight and is a danger to humans and pets. Its distinctive flower heads emerge in June - and can be easily mistaken for other plants such as Cow parsley (non-toxic), Hemlock or Hemlock water dropwort (both highly toxic)." She added: "If you touch Giant Hogweed you may not notice anything immediately as the effects may take up to 24 hours to emerge, but soon large blisters will form on skin and will recur when exposed to sunlight. As well as its harmful properties, as it colonises river banks this can make it difficult to eradicate - do not try to remove it yourself, always consult an expert.", reports the Express. Giant Hogweed, scientifically termed heracleum mantegazzianum, represents an invasive, foreign plant variety included within The Invasive Alien Species (Enforcement and Permitting) Order 2019. Planting this species or allowing it to spread into the wild is an offence, as it aggressively invades natural habitats. Landowners are legally responsible for controlling its growth, and failure to do so - especially if it spreads onto neighbouring properties - can result in fines or other legal consequences. Daniel Docking from Property Care Association (PCA) also emphasised the importance of public knowledge on the matter: "It is important to make the public aware of the presence of giant hogweed, and the risks associated with exposure to it," reports Manchester Evening News. He went on to stress the escalating worry: "This is a highly invasive weed that grows vigorously and its distribution and frequency is increasing over time. Every year there are reports of injuries affecting people who have come into contact with the plant, as it produces a skin reaction that is antagonised by exposure to sunlight." Agonising Recurring Blisters and Burns These aren't ordinary burns; skin affected by Giant Hogweed may develop blisters repeatedly upon sun exposure, potentially for years after the initial encounter, reports Wales Online. Blindness and Eye Damage Contact with the sap, particularly in the eyes, can lead to severe irritation, blurred or lost vision, and, in rare but serious cases, permanent blindness. This makes it especially hazardous for curious children and pets who may unknowingly come into contact with the common plant. Delayed Reaction Those who come into contact with the perilous plant may not exhibit symptoms for up to two days, often leading to unsuspecting individuals spending even more time in the sun, thereby worsening the damage. How can you identify Giant Hogweed? The PCA has provided guidance to help people distinguish the dangerous giant hogweed, which can easily be confused with Britain's native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock plants, although these are significantly smaller and have leaves with a smoother edge. The association strongly advises against getting too close to the plant when trying to identify it. Key characteristics of giant hogweed include its height: The Giant Hogweed is an exceptionally tall biennial or perennial herbaceous plant, capable of growing over 10 feet. Flowers: It flaunts large, white, umbrella-shaped flower heads (up to 50cm wide) that resemble an oversized Cow parsley. Stem: The stems are thick, hollow, and ridged, coloured green with distinctive purple blotches and stiff, white hairs. Leaves: The leaves are large, deeply lobed, and sharply toothed, often reaching over a metre in width. What should you do if you react to Giant Hogweed? If you or your pet come into contact with the sap of Giant Hogweed, it's crucial to rinse the affected area thoroughly and immediately with soap and cold water. Make sure to keep the exposed skin out of direct sunlight for at least 48 hours. If blisters develop, or if the sap gets into the eyes, seek urgent medical care. Owing to the longevity of the Giant Hogweed's seeds and the hazard posed by its poisonous sap, professional removal is required.
Daily Record
29-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Public warned about the dangers posed by toxic Giant Hogweed plants
The invasive non-native plant can cause severe blistering on the skin if exposed to UV light - and can be particularly harmful to children. A national trade body is calling on the public to remain alert to the hazards posed by a dangerous invasive plant that could cause harm during the summer months. The Property Care Association (PCA) is highlighting the issues linked to Giant Hogweed, citing serious public health risks. The invasive non-native species produces highly poisonous sap, posing a significant threat to public wellbeing. Any contact with Giant Hogweed combined with UV light exposure – including natural sunlight – can result in serious discomfort and painful skin blistering. Daniel Docking, Technical Manager of the Property Care Association's Invasive Weed Control Group, said: "It's important to make the public aware of the presence of Giant hogweed, and the risks associated with exposure to it. "This is a highly invasive weed that grows vigorously and its distribution and frequency is increasing over time. "Every year there are reports of injuries affecting people who have come into contact with the plant, as it produces a skin reaction that is antagonised by exposure to sunlight. "Blisters can occur 24-48 hours after exposure and damaged skin heals very slowly. "Children can be particularly affected, as they can encounter the plant while playing outdoors in the summer. "Some cases can lead to people needing urgent medical attention, due to the severity of the blistering. "Longer-term complications can emerge too, with the condition re-occurring over a period of years. "Where this happens, the rash and the itching coming back every time the skin is exposed to UV light." The toxic plant also poses a threat to pets and wildlife. The PCA has provided guidance to help members of the public spot Giant Hogweed, which can occasionally be mistaken for Britain's native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock plants, though these are considerably smaller and feature leaves with smoother edges. Nevertheless, the trade body strongly advises people against approaching the plant too closely when attempting to identify it. Key characteristics of Giant Hogweed Height – The most notable aspect of Giant hogweed is its enormous size. The plant can reach heights of up to five metres and boasts a stem measuring up to 10 centimetres across. Flowers – The plant develops large, white, umbrella-like flower clusters, with individual umbels capable of generating 50,000 seeds each. Leaves – A distinctive trait of Giant Hogweed is its dramatically jagged foliage, which can extend up to three metres in length. Markings – Giant hogweed's stem typically displays patchy purple blemishes. Coarse bristles are also present on the stem and beneath the leaves. Daniel added: "As well as the health issues, Giant hogweed is a major concern from an ecological point of view too, so it is really important that its growth is contained. "The huge size of the leaves cuts-off any sunlight reaching the soil so there can be major changes to the local plant communities and all the invertebrates that depend on them." If you come across Giant Hogweed on council property, it's best to report it to the local council. If it's seen on private property, you should get in touch with the landowner.
Daily Record
28-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
West Lothian residents urged to be vigilant of dangers of Giant hogweed
The Property Care Association is putting the problems associated with Giant hogweed on the radar, due to public health concerns. A national trade body is urging the public in West Lothian to be vigilant to the dangers of an invasive weed that can cause injury in summer. The Property Care Association is putting the problems associated with Giant hogweed on the radar, due to public health concerns. This invasive non-native weed's sap is extremely toxic, making it a danger to public health. Contact with any part of Giant hogweed, followed by exposure to UV light - including the sun - can cause severe discomfort and blistering to the skin. Daniel Docking is Technical Manager of the Property Care Association's Invasive Weed Control Group. He said: 'It is important to make the public aware of the presence of Giant hogweed, and the risks associated with exposure to it. 'This is a highly invasive weed that grows vigorously and its distribution and frequency is increasing over time. 'Every year there are reports of injuries affecting people who have come into contact with the plant, as it produces a skin reaction that is antagonised by exposure to sunlight. 'Blisters can occur 24 to 48 hours after exposure and damaged skin heals very slowly. 'Children can be particularly affected, as they can encounter the plant while playing outdoors in the summer. 'Some cases can lead to people needing urgent medical attention, due to the severity of the blistering. 'Longer-term complications can emerge too, with the condition re-occurring over a period of years. 'Where this happens, the rash and the itching coming back every time the skin is exposed to UV light.' The PCA has some pointers to help the public recognise Giant hogweed, which can sometimes be confused with UK's native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock plants, but these are much smaller in size and the leaves have a smoother outline. However, the trade association strongly urges the public not to get too close to the plant to identify it. Daniel added: 'As well as the health issues, Giant hogweed is a major concern from an ecological point of view too, so it is really important that its growth is contained. 'The huge size of the leaves cuts-off any sunlight reaching the soil so there can be major changes to the local plant communities and all the invertebrates that depend on them.'
Daily Record
25-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire residents urged to be vigilant of dangers of Giant hogweed
The Property Care Association is putting the problems associated with Giant hogweed on the radar, due to public health concerns. A national trade body is urging the public in Lanarkshire to be vigilant to the dangers of an invasive weed that can cause injury in summer. The Property Care Association is putting the problems associated with Giant hogweed on the radar, due to public health concerns. This invasive non-native weed's sap is extremely toxic, making it a danger to public health. Contact with any part of Giant hogweed, followed by exposure to UV light - including the sun - can cause severe discomfort and blistering to the skin. Daniel Docking is Technical Manager of the Property Care Association's Invasive Weed Control Group. He said: 'It is important to make the public aware of the presence of Giant hogweed, and the risks associated with exposure to it. 'This is a highly invasive weed that grows vigorously and its distribution and frequency is increasing over time. 'Every year there are reports of injuries affecting people who have come into contact with the plant, as it produces a skin reaction that is antagonised by exposure to sunlight. 'Blisters can occur 24 to 48 hours after exposure and damaged skin heals very slowly. 'Children can be particularly affected, as they can encounter the plant while playing outdoors in the summer. 'Some cases can lead to people needing urgent medical attention, due to the severity of the blistering. 'Longer-term complications can emerge too, with the condition re-occurring over a period of years. 'Where this happens, the rash and the itching coming back every time the skin is exposed to UV light.' The PCA has some pointers to help the public recognise Giant hogweed, which can sometimes be confused with UK's native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock plants, but these are much smaller in size and the leaves have a smoother outline. However, the trade association strongly urges the public not to get too close to the plant to identify it. Daniel added: 'As well as the health issues, Giant hogweed is a major concern from an ecological point of view too, so it is really important that its growth is contained. 'The huge size of the leaves cuts-off any sunlight reaching the soil so there can be major changes to the local plant communities and all the invertebrates that depend on them.' * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live is on Facebook? Head on over and give us a like and share!
Scotsman
24-07-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Trade body issues summer warning over Giant hogweed
Giant hogweed A national trade body is urging the public to be vigilant to the dangers of an invasive weed that can cause injury in summer. From gorgeous Georgian town houses to jaw-dropping penthouses, converted campervans to bargain boltholes. Take a peek at the finest homes across the UK. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Property Care Association is putting the problems associated with Giant hogweed on the radar, due to public health concerns. This invasive non-native weed's sap is extremely toxic, making it a danger to public health. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Contact with any part of Giant hogweed, followed by exposure to UV light - including the sun - can cause severe discomfort and blistering to the skin. Daniel Docking is Technical Manager of the Property Care Association Daniel Docking is Technical Manager of the Property Care Association's Invasive Weed Control Group. He said: 'It is important to make the public aware of the presence of Giant hogweed, and the risks associated with exposure to it. 'This is a highly invasiveweed that grows vigorously and its distribution and frequency is increasing over time. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Every year there are reports of injuries affecting people who have come into contact with the plant, as it produces a skin reaction that is antagonised by exposure to sunlight. 'Blisters can occur 24 to 48 hours after exposure and damaged skin heals very slowly. 'Children can be particularly affected, as they can encounter the plant while playing outdoors in the summer. 'Some cases can lead to people needing urgent medical attention, due to the severity of the blistering. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Longer-term complications can emerge too, with the condition re-occurring over a period of years. 'Where this happens, the rash and the itching coming back every time the skin is exposed to UV light.' The PCA has some pointers to help the public recognise Giant hogweed, which can sometimes be confused with UK's native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock plants, but these are much smaller in size and the leaves have a smoother outline. However, the trade association strongly urges the public not to get too close to the plant to identify it. Distinguishing features include; Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Height - The major feature of Giant hogweed is its size. The plant can grow up to five metres high and has a stem that measures up to 10 centimetres in diameter. Flowers - The plant produces a large, white, umbrella-shaped flowering head, with a single umbel capable of producing 50,000 seeds per head. Leaves – A defining feature of Giant hogweed is its sharply serrated leaves, which reach up to three metres in length. 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. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The PCA can signpost the public to specialist contractors and consultants with the expertise to control and manage invasive species such as Giant hogweed, as well as other invasive, non-native plants including Japanese Knotweed. Daniel added: 'As well as the health issues, Giant hogweed is a major concern from an ecological point of view too, so it is really important that its growth is contained. 'The huge size of the leaves cuts-off any sunlight reaching the soil so there can be major changes to the local plant communities and all the invertebrates that depend on them.' More details can be found at
